Decreased incidence of epithelial defects during laser in situ keratomileusis using intraoperative nonpreserved carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% solution.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the incidence of epithelial defects that occur with laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using nonpreserved carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% solution (Refresh Plus(R)) intraoperatively.


METHODS
Community-based refractive center.


METHODS
This retrospective study comprised 105 patients (210 eyes) who had primary bilateral LASIK by 1 of 2 surgeons between October 1 and December 1, 2000. The 114 eyes treated subsequent to November 1, 2000, received Refresh Plus intraoperatively, and the 96 eyes treated before this date did not. The incidence of epithelial defects and diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) in both groups was recorded. The preoperative keratometry measurements of all cases were also recorded.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of epithelial defects in the group that received Refresh Plus intraoperatively (P =.02). No statistically significant between-group difference in the incidence of DLK was detected. Analysis of the keratometry measurements revealed no statistically significant association between the amount or axis of astigmatism and the incidence of epithelial defects or DLK.


CONCLUSIONS
The intraoperative use of nonpreserved Refresh Plus significantly decreased the rate of epithelial defects that occurred during LASIK.
Ahee
Jason A
JA
Henry Ford Health System, Eye Care Services, Detroit, Michigan 48230, USA.
Kaufman
Stephen C
SC
Samuel
Michael A
MA
Bogorad
David
D
Wee
Curtis
C
D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007430:Intraoperative Care; D007634:Keratitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D002266:Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium