The intraocular penetration of dexamethasone after photorefractive keratectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on intraocular steroid penetration.


METHODS
To assess steroid penetration after PRK, four rabbits underwent unilateral myopic 9.90-D PRK procedures. The other eye was left undisturbed as a control. One week later both eyes received hourly doses of radiolabeled topical dexamethasone.


RESULTS
No significant difference in corneal tissue [(mean +/- 1 SD) PRK 4.8 +/- 1.1 micrograms/g, control 5.2 +/- 1.2 micrograms/g] or aqueous humor concentration [(mean +/- 1 SD) PRK 0.8 +/- 0.12 microgram/ml, control 0.9 +/- 0.05 microgram/ml] of dexamethasone was seen.


CONCLUSIONS
Dexamethasone penetration in eyes 1 week following PRK is similar to that of the unablated cornea.
McDermott
M L
ML
Kresge Eye Institute of Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201-1423, USA.
Vale
S
S
Tayfour
F
F
Cowden
J W
JW
D000818:Animals; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods; D011817:Rabbits
D003907:Dexamethasone