Mitomycin C reduces corneal light scattering after excimer keratectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) on corneal light scattering after excimer laser keratectomy.


METHODS
Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) was performed in 24 rabbit eyes. After 40-microm epithelial ablation, animals were divided into three groups. In group 1, filter paper discs soaked with MMC (group 1A, 0.5 mg/mL; group 1B, 0.25 mg/ml) were applied for 1 minute. In group 2, annular filter papers soaked with MMC (group 2A, 0.5 mg/mL; group 2B, 0.25 mg/mL) were applied for 1 minute. Controls received vehicle only (group 3). Six-millimeter diameter 100-microm deep PTK was performed. Corneal light scattering was measured weekly from 1 to 6 weeks, at 10 weeks, and at 8 and 13 months using a scatterometer. A corneal light scattering index (SI) ranging from 0 to 10 was calculated; SI of 1 represents normal scattering.


RESULTS
A statistically significant decrease in mean SI was noted in group 2A (annular MMC 0.5 mg/mL; p<0.05) as compared with the control group at 2 weeks. At 10 weeks, SI approached baseline levels in group 2 and the control group but showed significant increase in group 1 (MMC disc; p < 0.05). At 8 and 13 months, SI showed no statistical differences between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Controlled application of 0.5 mg/mL MMC in the corneal midperiphery transiently reduces corneal light scattering after excimer keratectomy in this rabbit model.
Jain
S
S
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
McCally
R L
RL
Connolly
P J
PJ
Azar
D T
DT
D000477:Alkylating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000818:Animals; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008027:Light; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011817:Rabbits; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
D000477:Alkylating Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D016685:Mitomycin