Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Intrastromal corneal ring (ICR) surgery is considered an attractive option for correcting minor refractive errors. Besides reported low risk of complications and surgical side effects, the option of taking out the ICR does enhance the value of this operation technique compared to others such as LASIK. In the present study, we investigated the occurrence of markers of fibrosis in eyes with ICR implants. Methods: Eight rabbits were operated on with ICR (INTACS), in accordance with ARVO guidelines, and corneas were harvest at 6 days (4 rabbits) and 13 days (4 rabbits) after surgery. The corneas were then prepared and immunohistologically stained with specific antibody to connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Results: The corneal specimens showed staining in the epithelium at the basal layer, which intensified close to the area of the base of the created corneal stromal ridge created by the ICR. No staining was observed inside the wound channel or on the top of the ridge. Conclusions: It appears that ICR implantation does not induce a strong stromal wound healing reaction leading to fibrosis via the CTGF associated pathways. With the surgical method used, corneal stromal shaping appears to be possible without inducing permanent scar formation. This may reflect on other recent corneal surgery techniques such as partial corneal transplantation.
Keywords: cornea: basic science • wound healing • refractive surgery: other technologies