J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  1998 Jun;39(6):1119-1124.

Change of Epithelial Barrier Function after Excimer Laser Photorefractive Keratectomy

• Kim JY
• Heo JH
• Wee WR

Abstract

We used the fluorophotometry to investigate the corneal epithelial barrier function after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Twenty-five eyes of 21 subjects (13 women, 8 men) underwent PRK to correct rnyopia. Corneal epithelial healing time was measured and corneal epithelial permeability to sodiurn fluorescein was evaluated by fluorophotoinetry at I, 2, and 3 weeks after surgery. The corneal epithelial permeability increased significantly 1 week after surgery and returned to preoperative level 2 weeks after surgery. The permeability differences according to epithelial healing days and corrected diopters were not statistically significant(p>0. 05). These results suggest that PRK delays complete reconstruction of corneal epithelial barrier function. The corneal epithelium regained its functional barrier 2 weeks after PRK in patients, so, at least, during the first 2 weeks, care should be taken to miniinize further epithelial trauma from topical inedication or surgical manipulation.

Keyword

Epithelial barrier function; Excimer laser PRK; Fluorophotometry

MeSH Terms

Epithelium, Corneal
Female
Fluorescein
Fluorophotometry
Humans
Lasers, Excimer*
Permeability
Photorefractive Keratectomy*
Fluorescein