Effect of occlusive pressure patching on the rate of epithelial wound healing after photorefractive keratectomy.
OBJECTIVE
This study measured the effect of pressure patching on the rate of epithelial wound healing in 41 myopic patients after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


METHODS
On day 0, mechanical debridement was done to remove the central 6.5 mm diameter of epithelium. Subsequently, a 5.0 mm diameter photoablation was performed, the depth of ablation being proportional to the degree of myopia (-1.0 to -6.0 diopters). The patients were discharged with an application of antibiotic/steroid ointment (A/S) followed by pressure patching. On day 1, the epithelial defects were stained with fluorescein and photographed. The patients were then randomized prospectively into two groups: Group 1 was pressure patched after application of A/S ointment; Group 2 received A/S ointment twice a day without patching. A photograph of the remaining epithelial defect was taken on day 2. The area of the epithelial defect was measured with a computerized image analyzer. Wound diameter (radius) was used to calculate the epithelial healing rate (EHR).


RESULTS
Between days 1 and 2, the mean EHR in Group 1 was 0.072 +/- 0.005 mm/hr and in Group 2, 0.056 +/- 0.004 mm/hr (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between the EHR and patient gender or the degree of myopia. However, a correlation was noted between patient age and wound size on day 1.


CONCLUSIONS
Pressure patching significantly accelerated the EHR following PRK.
Demers
P
P
Laser Center, Hôpital Notre-Dame, Quebec, Canada.
Thompson
P
P
Bernier
R G
RG
Lemire
J
J
Laflamme
P
P
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*