Epithelial Defect Induced Photorefractive Surgery: Comparison of Two Mechanical Epithelial Removal Techniques

Abstract

Abstract:Purpose: To compare the epithelial defect size after epithelial removal by Weck-Cel sponge (Medtronic) spatula and blunt scalpel hockey blade. Method: This prospective study comprised 100 cases of PRK with mean age of 26±5 years (range, 19 to 45) performed at Bina Eye Specialist Hospital from January to march 2012. The size of epithelium removal was the same in all patients and it was 8.5 mm 2 . Each patienst's right eyes epithelium was removed by Weck spounge and it was removed by Haki spatula in the left eye. The residual epithelial defect size was measured in both eyes after 4 days from surgery. Result: Of 200 eyes that met the inclusion criteria, the mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error in right eyes was -2.6±1.5 (Range: -1 to -7 D) versus 2.6±1.4 (Range: -1 to -6.5D) in left eyes (P= 0.527 ). The mean epithelial defect size after 4 days in right eyes was 1.5+-0.77 and it was 1.46 +-0.77 in the left eyes (P = 0.623). Conclusion: This sudy showed that there is no difference between corneal epithelial defect size in two methods of PRK surgery after corneal epithelial removal .We consider both methods to be comparable in terms of efficacy and believe the choice of one method over the other rests on the surgeon's decision and experience.