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[A confocal microscopic and histological study on rabbit corneas after photorefractive keratectomy for hyperopia]
1Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Purpose:
To evaluate changes in corneas after PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) for hyperopia.
Materials And Methods:
Six rabbits were given PRK treatments for + 6.0 D of hyperopia. We observed these corneas by confocal microscopy at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after PRK, and examined them histologically.
Results:
In the ablated area, proliferative changes in the subepithelial layer had already appeared three days after the operation. These changes progressed for one month, but had decreased at three months after operation. In confocal microscopy, the proliferative change in the subepithelial layer was observed as bright, highly refractive tissue interspersed with small spaces void of cells, and was especially evident at the wound edges of the peripheral side. The center of the cornea was slightly damaged by the excimer laser but proliferative changes were not observed there.
Conclusion:
The results of this study revealed that the damage to the center of the cornea caused by PRK for hyperopia was not very severe. But it is important to evaluate further the efficacy and safety of PRK for hyperopia.