[Objective method for epithelialization and corneal transparency monitoring after excimer laser keratectomy]

The area of corneal epithelialization was evaluated and densitometry of corneal surface carried out by computer analysis of images in order to detect the relationship between epithelialization and formation of corneal fleur in patients with delayed healing after photorefraction keratectomy for hypermetropia. An arbitrary parameter: corneal epithelialization rate, a mathematical difference between the area of corneal defect every next day of observation in comparison with the day before, expressed in mm2/day, is proposed for evaluating the efficacy of various drugs used to stimulate corneal defect epithelialization. Computer analysis of images helps objectively evaluate epithelialization and corneal transparency after eximer laser keratectomy. The method is diagnostically and prognostically valuable, particularly in cases with delayed epithelialization and stubborn epithelial defects of the cornea.