Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026
Three Different Protocols of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Keratoconus: Conventional, Accelerated and Iontophoresis
Published on: November 12, 2015
Optimizing mitomycin C in photorefractive keratectomy: A paired-eye comparison of 15- versus 30-second applications
Mohamed Gaber Okasha1, Abdallah Brakat2, Amr Mounir3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
PurposeTo compare the efficacy of 15-s versus 30-s intraoperative applications of 0.02% mitomycin C (MMC) in preventing corneal haze after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for moderate myopia.MethodsThis prospective, paired-eye study enrolled 50 patients (100 eyes) with bilateral moderate myopia (-3.00 to -6.00 D). Each patient underwent bilateral wavefront-optimized PRK. One eye was randomized to receive 0.02% MMC for 15 s, and the fellow eye received it for 30 s. The primary outcome was the incidence and severity of corneal haze, graded on a 0-4 scale at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The secondary outcome was uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA).ResultsThe median age was 25.5 years (range, 18-53). Preoperative refractive errors were symmetrical between paired eyes (P > 0.05). Postoperative corneal haze was minimal and transient. Median haze scores were 0 at all timepoints beyond the 1-week visit. Haze severity decreased significantly over time in both groups (P < 0.01), with no statistically significant differences between the 15-s and 30-s groups at any follow-up visit (P ≥ 0.08). At 6 months, the median UDVA was 0.00 logMAR in both groups (P = 1.0).ConclusionsA 15-s intraoperative application of 0.02% MMC resulted in comparable rates of corneal haze prevention and excellent visual outcomes to a 30-s application in preventing corneal haze and achieving excellent visual outcomes after wavefront-optimized PRK for moderate myopia. Shorter exposure times may enhance safety by minimizing potential cytotoxic risks.
Insights
A 15-second application of mitomycin C (MMC) is as effective as a 30-second application in preventing corneal haze after PRK surgery. Shorter MMC exposure times offer comparable visual outcomes and may enhance safety.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Refractive Surgery
Background:
- Corneal haze is a potential complication after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
- Mitomycin C (MMC) is used intraoperatively to inhibit fibroblast proliferation and reduce haze.
- Optimizing MMC application time is crucial for balancing efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of 15-second versus 30-second intraoperative applications of 0.02% mitomycin C (MMC).
- To evaluate the prevention of corneal haze after wavefront-optimized PRK for moderate myopia.
- To assess the impact on uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA).
Main Methods:
- Prospective, paired-eye study with 50 patients (100 eyes) undergoing bilateral PRK for moderate myopia.
- One eye received 15-second 0.02% MMC application, the fellow eye received 30-second application.
- Corneal haze graded on a 0-4 scale; UDVA measured at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.
Main Results:
- Postoperative corneal haze was minimal and transient, with no significant difference between 15-s and 30-s MMC groups at any follow-up.
- Median haze scores were 0 at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.
- Excellent visual outcomes were achieved in both groups, with median UDVA of 0.00 logMAR at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- A 15-second intraoperative application of 0.02% MMC is comparable to a 30-second application in preventing corneal haze after PRK.
- Both application times result in excellent visual outcomes for moderate myopia.
- Shorter MMC exposure may enhance safety by minimizing potential cytotoxic risks.
