Alcohol removal of the epithelium for excimer laser ablation: outcomes analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether removing the corneal epithelium by dilute alcohol is equal to other epithelial removal techniques.


METHODS
The Bochner Eye Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.


METHODS
Epithelium was removed using 25% alcohol placed on a circular pledget; the alcohol remained on the cornea for 3 minutes. Irrigation was performed with cold balanced salt solution. The epithelium was then lifted with forceps and removed. Ninety-one eyes having photorefractive keratectomy for low myopia (less than 8.00 diopters) were treated; 41 eyes were followed between 4 and 10 months (mean 6 months). Complications such as haze and loss of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded.


RESULTS
All alcohol-treated eyes achieved a BCVA of 20/40 or better, 65.9% had 20/20 and 92.7%, 20/25 or better. There were no complications or adverse effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Epithelial removal using 25% alcohol did not adversely affect the algorithms used with the VISX 20/20 excimer laser, indicating the technique is safe, predictable, and effective. There was no significant loss of BCVA, toxic effects, or stromal hydration.
Stein
H A
HA
Bochner Eye Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Stein
R M
RM
Price
C
C
Salim
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000601:surgery*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D012997:Solvents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity
D012997:Solvents; D000431:Ethanol