[Impression cytology and LASIK].
OBJECTIVE
To study the ocular surface changes following laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).


METHODS
Prospective study of pre and post-LASIK impression cytology in two sites of the conjunctival epithelium of 12 eyes from 6 patients. The samples were studied for changes in cellularity, cell size, nucleus size, nucleus-cytoplasm ratio, number of goblet cells, PAS positivity and number of inflammatory cells.


RESULTS
All the samples except two, showed pathological changes like a decrease in nuclear size, increase in cytoplasm, change in nucleus-cytoplasm ratio, a significant decrease in goblet cell density and certain degree of squamous metaplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
One month following LASIK we observed histopathologic changes in the perilimbal conjunctiva, mainly a decrease in the number of goblet cells and different grades of squamous metaplasia.
Institut Catalá de Retina, Barcelona, España.
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Boira Cabre
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Duch Mestres
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Tresserra
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies