Topical mitomycin-C for subepithelial fibrosis after refractive corneal surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of mitomycin-C (MMC), 0.02%, in preventing recurrence of corneal subepithelial fibrosis after debridement and/or keratectomy in patients who have undergone refractive corneal surgery.


METHODS
Noncomparative case series.


METHODS
Eight eyes of five patients with corneal subepithelial fibrosis who had previously undergone radial keratotomy (n = 4) or photorefractive keratectomy (n = 4).


METHODS
All eyes underwent epithelial debridement followed by a single intraoperative application of MMC (0.02%) for 2 minutes followed by saline irrigation. The eyes were then patched, or a bandage contact lens placed until epithelial healing was complete.


METHODS
Corneal clarity and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).


RESULTS
In all cases, the cornea remained clear with no recurrence throughout the follow-up period (6-25 mos., mean, 13.8 mos). No adverse reactions were reported. BCVA improved in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Subepithelial fibrosis can be a visually disabling condition after refractive corneal surgery. Topical application of MMC (0.02%) may be a successful method of preventing recurrence of subepithelial fibrosis after debridement.
Majmudar
P A
PA
Cornea Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
Forstot
S L
SL
Dennis
R F
RF
Nirankari
V S
VS
Damiano
R E
RE
Brenart
R
R
Epstein
R J
RJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D003646:Debridement; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007646:Keratotomy, Radial / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014945:Wound Healing
D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors; D016685:Mitomycin