[Intraocular pressure in sections with 2 microkeratomes in vitro].
BACKGROUND
The rapid integration of new technology into ophthalmologic practice, e.g. LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis), is associated with new complications. The limitations of the new technology cannot be precisely determined. During lamellar cuts with microkeratomes intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations occur. The IOP elevation during the lamellar cut cannot be determined by conventional tonometry.


METHODS
We examined the IOP rise during the complete microkeratome treatment. Fresh enucleated porcine eyes were cannulated and direct IOP measurement with a Statham manometer was carried out. Thus we evaluated the IOP during the complete treatment for two differently constructed microkeratome systems.


RESULTS
IOP elevations (mean values) between 77 mm Hg for the Corneal Shaper and 229 mm Hg for the Keratek during the vacuum phase and 140 mm Hg for the Corneal Shaper and 360 mm Hg for the Keratek during the lamellar cut were monitored. A sudden IOP decrease to-5 mm Hg was registered for the post-vacuum phase.


CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion unphysiologic high IOP values could be dangerous for risk eyes.
Sachs
H G
HG
Universitäts-Augenklinik, Regensburg.
Lohmann
C P
CP
Op de Laak
J P
JP
D000818:Animals; D016039:Corneal Transplantation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013552:Swine