Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To establish an in vitro model of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in human donor eyes and to test its validity in comparison with animal models. Methods: LASIK was performed on 20 organ cultured human cornea discs. The excimer laser ablations performed ranged from 0 - 12 diopters. The corneas were maintained in culture for up to 6 months and were then investigated with light and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, corneal sections were immunohistochemically stained for collagen type III, laminin and fibronectin. Results: Ultrastructural investigations in the peripheral cornea revealed a disarrangement of collagen fibers indicating scar formation. These findings were not observed in the central area. Immunohistochemical staining for fibronectin and collagen type III was detected over the entire stromal incision interface, whereas laminin staining was related to the ingrowth of epithelial cells. Conclusion: The morphological changes following LASIK in an organ culture model can simulate the in vivo situation. The model thus appears useful for further morphological investigations and for developing methods to detect LASIK in potential human donor corneas.
Keywords: 548 refractive surgery: LASIK • 370 cornea: basic science • 631 wound healing