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Endothelial cells evaluation two years after photorefractive keratectomy
N Rosa1, G Cennamo, A Del Prete
1Istituto di Oftalmologia Università Federico II, Napoli, Italia.
Summary
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia does not cause long-term corneal endothelial cell damage. A study found no significant changes in cell density or morphology after PRK, even for high myopia treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a common refractive surgery.
- Concerns exist regarding potential long-term corneal endothelium damage after PRK.
- Assessing endothelial cell health is crucial for corneal integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate long-term corneal endothelium damage following myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
- To analyze morphometric changes in corneal endothelial cells at least 24 months post-PRK.
Main Methods:
- Morphometric analysis of corneal endothelial cells in 41 patients before and after PRK.
- Patients underwent treatments for myopia ranging from -2.5 to -14 dpt.
- Corneal thinning ranged from 23 to 123 microns.
Main Results:
- Endothelial cell density showed no significant change (p=0.16) post-PRK.
- The polymorphic index remained stable, with no significant difference (p=0.61) after surgery.
- No statistically significant long-term corneal endothelial damage was observed.
Conclusions:
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) does not lead to significant long-term corneal endothelial cell damage.
- This finding holds true even for patients who underwent PRK for high myopia.
- Corneal endothelial morphometry remains stable long-term post-PRK.