Epi-LASIK: A confocal microscopy analysis of the corneal epithelium and anterior stroma

Manuel Ramírez, Everardo Hernández-Quintela, Ramón Naranjo-Tackman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

■ BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the confocal microscopy findings at the corneal epithelium and anterior stroma after epi-LASIK. ■ PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve eyes of 12 patients underwent epi-LASIK. A central scan of the total corneal thickness was taken with the confocal microscope before and at 2 weeks and 1 month after surgery. Corneal epithelial thickness was measured and the anterior stroma morphology was also analyzed. ■ RESULTS: Mean epithelial thickness was 46.5 ±5.5 μm before surgery. It had decreased by 23.4% (35.6 ± 5.6 μm) at 2 weeks and by 22.1% (36.2 ± 5 μm) at 1 month postoperatively, compared with the preoperative measurement. The change in thickness was statistically significant. The anterior stroma showed keratocyte activation at 2 weeks and 1 month after surgery. ■ CONCLUSION: Corneal epithelial thickness was decreased up to 1 month after surgery. The stromal ablation zone showed keratocyte activation in both postoperative measurements.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)319-322
Number of pages4
JournalOphthalmic Surgery Lasers and Imaging
Volume43
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Ophthalmology

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