[Effect of preservative-free betamethasone sodium phosphate eyedrops on the development of corneal epithelial disorders after penetrating keratoplasty].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of preservative-free eyedrops containing betamethasone sodium phosphate (BSP) on the development of corneal epithelial disorders after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).


METHODS
The records of 48 patients who underwent unilateral PKP and were followed for 6 months postoperatively were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-four patients were treated with BSP eyedrops containing preservatives and the other 24 patients with preservative-free BSP eyedrops four times daily. Patients in the two groups were matched for age and sex. Corneal epithelial disorders and other complications were examined with a slitlamp biomicroscope at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.


RESULTS
None of the patients developed corneal erosion or corneal epithelial defects. The incidence of superficial punctate keratopathy in the preservative-free group (2 of 24 eyes) was significantly reduced compared with that in the preservative group (9 of 24 eyes) 1 month after surgery. The SPK score in the preservative-free group (0.17 +/- 0.56 points) was also significantly smaller than that in the preservative group (1.04 +/- 1.46 points) at 1 month. There was no significant difference in other postoperative complications between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Preservative-free BSP eyedrops are effective for preventing the development of corneal epithelial disorders after PKP.
Teranishi
Shinichiro
S
Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
Chikama
Tai-ichiro
T
Nishida
Teruo
T
D000368:Aged; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; C028994:betamethasone sodium phosphate; D001623:Betamethasone