Phototherapeutic smoothing as an adjunct to photorefractive keratectomy in porcine corneas. |
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| Authors: | S E Horgan L McLaughlin-Borlace J D Stevens P M Munro |
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| Institution: | Cornea & External Disease Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom. |
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| Abstract: | PURPOSE: To study the smoothing effect of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) using masking fluids as an adjunct to standard photorefractive keratectomy ablations. METHODS: Six fresh porcine corneas underwent -6.00, -10.00, and -15.00 D sphere ablations using the VISX Star excimer laser. Multizone treatments to a maximum 6.5 mm radially symmetrical bed were used with a fluence of 160 mJ/cm2. Three of the treatments were supplemented with a thin layer of balanced salt solution and 6 microm of full beam PTK. The corneas were examined by electron microscopy. RESULTS: Smoother treatment zones were apparent in corneas undergoing PTK following PRK. The effect was more marked at higher dioptric ablations. CONCLUSION: PTK may improve surface smoothness after PRK, especially for higher dioptric ablations. |
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