Posters

Analysis of corneal densitometry in two different surface laser surgical techniques: alcohol-assisted PRK and Epi-Bowman Keratectomy (EBKTM)

Poster Details

First Author: F.Duch Mestres SPAIN

Co Author(s):    R. Bonet   R. Escude   J. Reyes   E. Guerrero           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To study and compare changes in optical corneal densitometry after two different excimer laser surface techniques: PRK and EBK

Setting:

Department of Refractive Surgery Institut Català de Retina, Barcelona Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC)

Methods:

Thirty-two eyes of 16 patients undergoing standard PRK and 32 eyes of 16 patients undergoing epi-Bowman keratectomy (EBK) using the Epi CLearTM (ORCA Surgical, Israel) device for epithelial debridement were included in this study. Scheimpflug optical corneal densitometry was measured before and three months after surgery, using the Pentacam (Pentacam, Oculus, Inc.). Changes in anterior cornea (120 µm) and total corneal were analyzed.

Results:

Preoperative average anterior corneal densitometry (120 µm) values for both groups, the PRK group and the EBK group were respectively 20.58, 18.7 and 22.93. Postoperative values 3 moths after surgery were 22.74, 23.09 and 22.39. Preoperative average total corneal densitometry values for both groups, the PRK group and the EBK group were respectively 16.10, 15.20, and 16.94. Postoperative values 3 moths after surgery were 17.11, 17.43 and 16.78. Increasing values were observed in all cases for both groups and the PRK group, after surgery. The EBK group presented a moderate decrease in optical densitometry values after surgery.

Conclusions:

Corneal densitometry changes after surface laser refractive surgery can be analyzed with the Pentacam Scheimpflug device. In our study both anterior and total corneal densitometry values increased after PRK and decreased after EBK using the Epi Clear mechanical scraper for epithelial debridement. This finding could be related to the less damage produced on the Bowman's layer using the Epi Clear TM. Further studies should be carried out to fully demonstrate the benefits of the EBK procedure that can allow to preserve Bownman's layer and basal membrane integrity.

Financial Disclosure:

None