Corneal wound healing modulation using basic fibroblast growth factor after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using excimer lasers is a key refractive surgery technique.
• Clinical use is limited by subepithelial opacity and refractive outcome regression.
• Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has shown promise in promoting corneal epithelial healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of topical bFGF on corneal epithelial and stromal healing after PRK in a rabbit model.
• To evaluate bFGF's potential to mitigate postoperative subepithelial opacity and refractive regression.

Main Methods:

• Excimer laser keratomileusis was performed on 24 rabbits after deepithelialization.
• Eyes were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (control), bFGF, dexamethasone, or bFGF + dexamethasone.
• Epithelial healing speed was assessed via image analysis; corneal opacity was graded biomicroscopically.

Main Results:

• Topical bFGF significantly accelerated epithelial wound healing within 2-3 days (p < 0.001).
• Combined bFGF and steroid therapy did not affect healing rate.
• Subepithelial haze scores were approximately 50% lower in treatment groups compared to controls during the first two months.

Conclusions:

• Topical bFGF is effective in promoting rapid corneal epithelial healing post-PRK.
• bFGF demonstrates potential in reducing subepithelial haze, a common complication.
• Further research into bFGF as an adjunct therapy for refractive surgery is warranted.