title: Epi-LASIK: histological findings of separated epithelial sheets 24 hours after treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the histological findings of four eyes of three patients who underwent epi-LASIK treatment for the correction of low myopia.
  
  
  METHODS
  The epithelial sheets were harvested either immediately after separation (one eye) or were accidentally dislocated and harvested from the operative eyes 24 hours after treatment (three eyes). All sheets underwent optical and transmission electron microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Histological evaluation showed that the majority of the epithelial cells were morphologically normal in all examined specimens.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Histological examination of specimens in four eyes showed that 24 hours after mechanical separation the epithelial cells' morphology was close to normal.
authors.affiliation: Vardinoyannion Eye Institute of Crete, University of Crete, Medical School, Voutes, PO Box 1352, Heraklion, Crete, Greece. vikatsan@med.uoc.gr
authors.forename: Vikentia J
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Katsanevaki
authors.forename: Irini I
authors.initials: II
authors.lastname: Naoumidi
authors.forename: Maria I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Kalyvianaki
authors.forename: loannis G
authors.initials: lG
authors.lastname: Pallikaris
mesh_terms: D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000379:methods*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D009216:Myopia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period