In this prospective randomized clinical trial, confocal microscopy was used to evaluate the effect of mechanical versus alcohol-assisted epithelial debridement during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)on corneal cellular elements. Sixty-six eyes of 33 subjects with a spherical equivalent less than -4.00 D who completed all follow-up visits were evaluated.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
33
For mechanical epithelial removal, an 8.0-mm optical zone marker was applied to the cornea, centering over the entrance pupil. A hockey spatula was used to remove the central corneal epithelium.
For alcohol-assisted debridement, 20% ethyl-alcohol solution was instilled into an 8.0-mm well and kept in contact with epithelium for 20 seconds (being careful to avoid spillage over the areas not being treated). It then absorbed using a dry cellulose sponge followed by copious irrigation with BSS. The epithelium of the central cornea was removed using a blunt spatula.
Ophthalmic Research Center
Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran
Corneal cellular elements.
Confocal microscopic findings of corneal cellular elements.
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