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Experimental globe rupture after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy
Y Burnstein1, D Klapper, P S Hersh
1Cornea Consultation Service, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using an excimer laser does not weaken the cornea at typical clinical ablation levels. Studies show the cornea remains structurally sound even with higher diopter corrections.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Excimer Laser Technology
Background:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a common refractive surgery.
- Concerns exist regarding potential corneal weakening after PRK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the structural integrity of the cornea after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.
- To determine if PRK weakens the cornea at clinically relevant ablation depths.
Main Methods:
- Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy was performed on human eye-bank eyes and porcine eyes.
- Ablation depths ranged from 6 to 93 diopters (D).
- Intraocular pressure was increased until globe rupture to assess structural limits.
Main Results:
- Human eyes with <42 D correction ruptured at the limbus or behind extraocular muscles.
- Ablations >46 D in human eyes breached the anterior chamber.
- Porcine eyes showed varied rupture points, with some at the ablation site and others at the equator.
Conclusions:
- Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy does not compromise corneal strength at standard clinical ablation levels.
- The cornea maintains structural integrity within the range of typical PRK treatments.