Excimer laser radial keratotomy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Innovation
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Radial diamond knife incisions are a known method for inducing central corneal flattening.
• The efficacy and precision of alternative methods for corneal modification warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of excimer laser incisions to replicate central corneal flattening achieved by radial diamond knife incisions.
• To evaluate the relationship between excimer laser parameters and the resulting corneal flattening.

Main Methods:

• Radial incisions were created in 18 enucleated human eyes using a 193 nm far-ultraviolet excimer laser.
• Corneal flattening was measured in diopters.
• Histopathological examination of the laser-created incisions was performed.

Main Results:

• Excimer laser incisions successfully duplicated central corneal flattening, ranging from 0.12 to 5.35 diopters.
• A positive correlation was observed between laser energy, incision depth, and the degree of central corneal flattening.
• Histopathology confirmed remarkably smooth edges of the laser-induced incisions.

Conclusions:

• Radial excimer laser incisions offer a viable alternative to diamond knife incisions for inducing central corneal flattening.
• Laser energy is a critical parameter controlling the depth of incisions and the extent of corneal flattening.
• The precision of excimer laser technology results in smooth incision edges, potentially beneficial for wound healing.