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Implantation of collagen plugs into incisional keratotomies
S G Waller1, K LaMarche, J H Talamo
1Department of Ophthalmology, Wilford Hall Medical Center, United States Air Force, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas 78236, USA.
Purpose:
To evaluate whether supplementing incisional keratotomy bulk or gape with a biocompatible material enhances the refractive effect.
Setting:
Refractive Surgery Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.
Methods:
Collagen punctal plugs were implanted into astigmatic keratotomy (AK) incisions in the right eyes of five rabbits and six adult cats. The left eyes had AK only and served as controls.
Results:
Some of the postoperative corneal topographic measurements suggested an enhanced refractive effect. At 1 month, histology demonstrated no remaining implant material and no inflammation in or near the incisions.
Conclusions:
Implanting a biocompatible material into AK incisions in two live animal models appears to be safe and may enhance the effect of the incisions. Further study is needed to quantify the magnitude and duration of any refractive effect.