Immunohistochemical study of corneal inflammation after femtosecond laser or manual clear corneal incision

Session Details

Session Title: Interactive Free Paper Session: FLACS

Session Date/Time: Sunday 06/09/2015 | 08:30-10:00

Paper Time: 09:46

Venue: Room 16

First Author: : L.Mastropasqua ITALY

Co Author(s): :    L. Toto   C. Curcio   A. Mastropasqua   P. Mattei   L. Vecchiarnio   G. Falconia     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To use immunohistochemical staining to evaluate corneal inflammation induced after femtosecond laser clear corneal incision (CCI) at different energy settings or after manual CCI.

Setting:

Ophthalmology Clinic and Biological Eye Center, Department of Medicine and Science of Ageing, University G. d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.

Methods:

Twenty five human cadaver corneas were used and treated with conventional manual technique or with femtosecond laser (LenSx ®laser system) with different laser energy settings. Corneas were divided into 5 groups (each consisting of 5 corneal specimens) as follows: Group 1, untreated, Group 2 with CCI obtained manually and Groups 3 to 5 with CCI performed with femtosecond laser at 3.0 μJ, 6.0 μJ, and 15.0 μJ, respectively. All samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry to analyze differences in IFNγ (involved in the regulation of almost all phases of immune and inflammatory responses) and IL18 (pro-inflammatory cytokine) expression.

Results:

IFNγ positivity was significantly higher in Group 5 compared to group 2 (p=0.0496), while no differences were achieved among other laser treated groups. An increased expression of IL18 was observed in Group 3 and 5 compared to Group 2 (p=0.0091 and p=0.0307 respectively).

Conclusions:

Femtosecond laser procedure induce an inflammatory corneal response compared to the manual technique particularly at high energy settings.

Financial Interest:

NONE