title: Effect of platelet-rich plasma in nerve regeneration after LASIK.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effect of topical eye application of platelet-rich plasma (E-PRP) on the recovery of corneal sensitivity after LASIK and the anatomical recovery of the sub-basal corneal plexus as studied by confocal microscopy.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a randomized, consecutive, controlled, prospective and masked study on 108 myopic eyes receiving LASIK. The main variables of the study were the increase in corneal sensitivity (Cochet-Bonet aesthesiometer; Luneau, Paris, France) and the aspect of the sub-basal nerve plexus (confocal microscope). Additionally, a biomicroscopic study of the epithelial status of the cornea and a subjective questionnaire were completed. Each eye of each patient was assigned to one of two groups: 54 eyes treated with balanced saline solution and 54 fellow eyes receiving PRP drops for 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant differences were detected when the corneal sensitivity thresholds were compared at any postoperative visit in both groups (P > .05 for all comparisons). Almost identical sub-basal fiber densities were estimated for both groups before LASIK (t test, P = .66). However, the type and severity of staining detected during the slit-lamp examinations at the first and third month postoperatively were significantly less evident in the E-PRP treatment group (Wilcoxon test, P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  PRP drops have beneficial effects for promoting epithelial status after LASIK but have no positive effect on recovery of corneal sensitivity, probably due to the limited bioavailability of growth factors in corneal stroma when the substance is topically administered.
authors: Departments of Refractive Surgery, Vissum Copracion Oftalmologica, Alicante, Spain. jjavaloy@coma.es
authors: Jaime
authors: J
authors: Javaloy
authors: Jorge L
authors: JL
authors: Alió
authors: Alejandra E
authors: AE
authors: Rodriguez
authors: Alfredo
authors: A
authors: Vega
authors: Gonzalo
authors: G
authors: Muñoz
mesh_terms: D001251:Astigmatism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003315:Cornea / Q000187:drug effects / Q000294:innervation* / Q000502:physiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D009882:Ophthalmic Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D053657:Platelet-Rich Plasma / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions