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Corneal interface contamination during laser in situ keratomileusis
Sepehr Feizi1, Khosro Jadidi, Mostafa Naderi
1Labbafinejad Hospital, Shaheed Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. sepehrfeizi@yahoo.com
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|September 25, 2007
Summary
Corneal interface contamination occurred in 24.5% of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) procedures, primarily by Staphylococcus epidermidis. The cornea demonstrated an ability to clear microorganisms, with no cases of corneal ulcers developing.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a common refractive surgery.
- Understanding corneal contamination during LASIK is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify corneal interface contamination rates during LASIK.
- To identify sources of contamination.
- To assess the cornea's reaction to microbial presence.
Main Methods:
- A case series of 200 eyes undergoing LASIK.
- Pre-operative cultures of eyelids and fornices.
- Post-operative cultures of corneal interface and instruments.
- 14-day incubation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
- Biochemical identification of bacterial isolates.
Main Results:
- A 24.5% rate of corneal interface contamination was observed.
- Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequent isolate (87.7%).
- No corneal ulcers developed; two cases of diffuse lamellar keratitis occurred.
Conclusions:
- The corneal stroma possesses a capacity to clear microorganisms introduced during LASIK.
- Contamination did not lead to severe outcomes like corneal ulcers in this series.
