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Corneal epithelial changes after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy
S Amano1, K Shimizu, K Tsubota
1Division of Ophthalmology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 15, 1993
Summary
Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia correction typically results in normal corneal epithelium. However, a small percentage of patients may show abnormal epithelial cell patterns, indicating a potential risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Excimer Laser Procedures
Background:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a refractive surgery procedure using an excimer laser.
- Understanding corneal epithelial changes post-PRK is crucial for assessing procedure safety and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate corneal epithelial alterations following excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.
- To evaluate the morphologic characteristics of the central corneal epithelium post-PRK.
Main Methods:
- Specular microscopy was employed to examine the central corneal epithelium.
- Thirteen patients undergoing PRK for myopia correction were studied.
- Fellow eyes served as controls, with observations from 1 to 15 months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- 85% of treated eyes (11 out of 13) exhibited normal corneal epithelial patterns post-PRK.
- Two eyes displayed abnormal epithelial patterns characterized by elongated epithelial cells.
- No significant differences were found in mean cell area or its variation between treated and control eyes.
Conclusions:
- Excimer laser PRK, despite Bowman's membrane destruction, generally preserves normal corneal epithelial morphology.
- The occurrence of abnormal epithelial cell patterns in a subset of patients represents a potential risk factor for PRK.