Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the histologic features and wound healing process of corneal epithelial flap using EpiTome(Gebauer, Germany) in newly introduced Epi–LASIK.
Methods: :
24 eyes of 12 dogs were divided into two groups. In one group (n=12) 20% alcohol was used, while EpiTome was used in the other group (n=12) making a corneal flap. The size change of a fluorescein–stained epithelial defect were measured at 6, 12, 24, and 36 hours postoperatively.
Results: :
Maximum decrease in the size were observed at 0 to 6 hours in the EpiTome group, and 6 to 12 hours in the alcohol group and the value were 10.01±5.32mm2, 9.23±4.75mm2 respectively. Histologic review revealed that there was less tissue damage and smoother cut edge in the EpiTome group compared to the alcohol group and the adhesion between stroma and epithelium was faster in the EpiTome group.
Conclusions: :
Mechanically detached corneal flap is favored to survive and re–epithelialization occurred in early phase postoperatively. A few epithelial fragment at a corneal section plane will prevent corneal opacification and minimize an inflammatory reaction to reduce postoperative pain.
Keywords: refractive surgery • cornea: epithelium