title: Histopathological comparison of photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis in rabbits.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  After 193 nm excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia, superficial opacities in the ablation zone and regression of refractive results can occur. Clinical studies have emphasized that corneal clarity and early refractive stability can be achieved with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). We present clinical and histological results that compare PRK and LASIK for the treatment of myopia in rabbits.
  
  
  METHODS
  We treated 12 New Zealand white rabbits with PRK and 12 with LASIK using a 193-nm excimer laser (Aesculap Meditec). In both techniques, the identical excimer software and ablation parameters of -10 D treatment depth were used. Six months after surgery, all eyes were removed and prepared for light, fluoresence and transmission electron microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the time of enucleation, nine eyes in the PRK group had a moderate to high degree of haze (grade 2 to 3), whereas after LASIK, all corneas showed an almost clear interface in the ablation zone. Correspondingly, all histological investigations after LASIK showed a regular stromal architecture, in contrast to the obvious anteri or stromal disorganization after PRK.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The preserved integrity of the superficial corneal layers after LASIK ensures quick wound healing with minimal tissue proliferation, resulting in a transparent corneal interface. This technique appears especially suitable for correcting high myopia.
authors.affiliation: Kiel University Eye Hospital, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amm
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wetzel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Winter
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Uthoff
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Duncker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D003315:Cornea / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014945:Wound Healing