Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is an enigmatic inflammatory response that has been seen following LASIK. There have been many theories regarding its etiology. To date, commercially-available topical fluoroquinolones have not been implicated as a potential cause of DLK. In this study, we examined whether fluorquinolones placed under the LASIK flap will induce DLK in the NZW rabbit LASIK model. Methods: One-half cross-section LASIK flaps were created using a Moria C-B automated microkeratome in both eyes of 20 New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into 4 treatment groups: I) 0.3% ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan®, Alcon Laboratories, Inc.); II) 0.3% ofloxacin (Ocuflox®, Allergan, Inc.); III) BSS® (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.); and IV) Pseudomonas aeruginosa endotoxin (Sigma Chemical Co.). Treatment included instillation of one drop under the flap and topical applicaton QID the following day. Following treatment, eyes were examined via slit lamp and graded (Linebarger grading scale) in a masked fashion on post-operative day 1. Results: (See Table) *Monte Carlo Two-tailed p = 0.0693; **Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA p=0.0694 Conclusion: Although DLK was observed in eyes of all groups, there were no statistical differences among the groups in this preliminary study. Additional trials will be performed to increase the number of eyes per group to answer this important question. Support: Allergan Corp, and RPB. Results
Keywords: 545 refractive surgery: complications • 548 refractive surgery: LASIK • 437 inflammation