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Inflammatory cells, refractive regression, and haze after excimer laser PRK
S Ramirez-Florez1, D M Maurice
1Clinica Oftalmológica de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia.
Journal of Refractive Surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Corneal haze after myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is linked to fibroblast proliferation. Refractive regression may stem from tissue distortion, not new tissue growth, in rabbits.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Post-myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) complications include corneal haze and refractive regression.
- Understanding the underlying tissue reactions is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of inflammatory cell invasion and tissue responses on corneal haze and refractive regression following myopic PRK in a rabbit model.
Main Methods:
- Postoperative measurements over 12 weeks included haze intensity, corneal topography, tear cytology, inflammatory cell infiltration, subepithelial fibroblast density, and tissue/epithelial thickness.
- Evaluated the impact of soft contact lens wear and corticosteroid treatment.
Main Results:
- Soft contact lenses prevented inflammatory cell invasion but did not affect haze or regression.
- Haze intensity correlated with subepithelial fibroblast proliferation, not new tissue formation.
- Corticosteroid treatment significantly reduced haze and fibroblast proliferation, with a slight decrease in regression.
Conclusions:
- Corneal haze after PRK is partly attributed to fibroblast proliferation.
- Refractive regression may result from gradual tissue distortion rather than new tissue growth.