Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:To study pathologic changes in human corneas after successful LASIK surgery.Methods:Thirteen corneas were obtained post-mortem from seven patients had undergone successful LASIK surgery. The corneas were trisected and 1/3 of each cornea was routinely processed for histologic examination with hematoxylin/eosin and PAS staining, transmission electron microscopy with a JEOL 100CX TEM, and scanning electron microscopy of the wound interface with a JEOL 35CF SEM, respectively.Results:Corneas from four men and 3 women were examined at post-mortem intervals ranging from 3 to 36 months. The best-corrected visions of the patients were 20/15-20/20. The thickness of the LASIK flap ranged from 100-160um. There were reactive keratocytes at the wound interface, minor epithelial ingrowth in the superficial wound and PAS+/electron-dense material at the wound interface in 13, 7 and 4 corneas, respectively. TEM showed collagen fiber disorganization with deposition of an amorphous ground substance in both the flap and the bed.The wound interface appeared to stabilize at approximately 2 years post-LASIK. The deep stroma, Descemet’s membrane and endothelium appeared normal in all corneas.Conclusion:: Wound interface changes are present up to 36 months after successful LASIK. These changes appear to stabilize at approximately 2 years after LASIK.
Keywords: 454 laser • 507 pathology: human • 548 refractive surgery: LASIK