Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To evaluate the efficacy of autologous serum application in the treatment of post– LASIK corneal epithelial defects in a rabbit model. Methods:From 10 New Zealand rabbits 5 ml of blood samples were obtained by venopuncture. The serum was aseptically separated and diluted with saline solution to 20%. The final preparation was placed into 3– ml bottles with ultraviolet light protection and maintained at 4°C. Corneas were de–epithelialized using a 7 mm optical zone marker. A 160 µm– thick flap was created in both eyes of all rabbits using the automatic corneal shaper microkeratome. Right eyes were treated with serum drops 6 times a day. Left eyes were treated with preservative– free artificial tears. Vital staining of the ocular surface and the area of corneal epithelial defect was measured daily for 1 week. Rabbits were humanely euthanized at postoperative day 7 and corneas were fixed and sectioned. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical analysis were performed . Results:Corneas treated with autologous serum had a faster epithelial healing rate than those treated with artificial tears. Serum– treated corneas showed significant less TUNEL staining in the interface, minimal inflammatory cell infiltration, and less induced synthesis of stromal chondroitin sulfate than did preservative– free artificial tears treated corneas. Conclusions:Treatment with autologous serum could be an efficient way to provide essential components to the ocular surface in the treatment of post– LASIK epithelial defects . Autologous serum induces faster epithelial healing than do artificial tears, leading to less keratocyte apoptosis and migration of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the wound site, and less release of cytokines and migration of inflammatory cells. This treatment could improve long– term refractive results post– LASIK.
Keywords: refractive surgery: LASIK • refractive surgery: complications • cornea: epithelium