Experimental globe rupture after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To assess corneal weakening after photorefractive keratectomy.


METHODS
Photorefractive keratectomy was performed in 16 human eye-bank eyes by means of a 193-nm excimer laser (range, 6 to 54 diopters [D]). Porcine eyes underwent either photorefractive keratectomy procedures (range, 30 to 93 D) with a 5-mm beam diameter or deep 5-mm plano disc ablations. Intraocular pressure was increased gradually with the use of nitrogen gas until the globe ruptured.


RESULTS
Human eyes with less than 42 D of correction ruptured at the limbus or behind the insertions of the extraocular muscles. Two eyes showed initial leakage at the 42-D ablation site. Ablations greater than 46 D entered the anterior chamber during treatment. One porcine eye ruptured at the ablation site after a 42-D treatment. Other eyes ruptured at the equator with treatments up to 78 D.


CONCLUSIONS
Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy does not weaken the cornea after degrees of ablation commonly used in the clinical setting.
Burnstein
Y
Y
Cornea Consultation Service, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
Klapper
D
D
Hersh
P S
PS
D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009915:Orbit / Q000293:injuries*; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D012421:Rupture; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology*; D013552:Swine