Smoothing of the ablated porcine anterior corneal surface using the Technolas Keracor 217C and Nidek EC-5000 excimer lasers.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate efficacy of a smoothing technique to increase regularity of the anterior corneal surface after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), using two different excimer lasers.


METHODS
Spherical ablations of -10.00 D were performed on 11 fresh porcine corneas using either the Technolas Keracor 217C scanning-spot or the Nidek EC-5000 scanning-slit beam excimer laser. Following the procedure, we performed a phototherapeutic keratectomy treatment (smoothing technique) on half of the corneal surface. The smoothing technique was performed using a viscous solution of 0.25% sodium hyaluronate, which was spread on the cornea prior to the procedure. The ablation zone was 6 mm in diameter and the transition zone extended to 3 mm. The ablation depth was set at 10 microm. Corneas were then examined with scanning electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Smoother treatment zones were apparent in porcine corneas in which smoothing was performed following PRK, with both laser systems. Results from the two lasers were not directly compared.


CONCLUSIONS
The smoothing procedure performed following PRK using a viscous 0.25% sodium hyaluronate masking solution and a scanning laser system rendered the porcine corneal surface more regular.
Lombardo
Marco
M
Catholic University of Rome, Department of Ophthalmology, Rome, Italy. mflombardo@libero.it
Serrao
Sebastiano
S
D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004867:Equipment Design; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007834:Lasers; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012996:Solutions; D013552:Swine; D014783:Viscosity
D012996:Solutions; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid