[Histological and ultrastructural study of corneal endothelium after excimer laser ablation in rabbit]

To investigate the effect of excimer laser ablation on the corneal endothelium in the early period, an excimer laser ablation was performed on rabbit cornea. Electron microscopy revealed an irregular space in the endothelial membrane facing Descemet's membrane 48 hours after the laser ablation. At 60 hours, electron-dense material was observed between the endothelial cells and Descemet's membrane. At 72 hours, electron-dense material was observed in Descemet's membrane, but no morphologic change was observed in the endothelium. These results suggest that excimer laser ablation may affect reversible corneal endothelium and it is important to perform a long-term follow-up of the corneal endothelium after excimer laser ablation in humans.