Low-Level Laser Therapy combined with scleral graft transplantation in the treatment of Contracted Socket: A Clinical study

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of the therapeutic use of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on the tissue repair process of allogeneic sclera graft in patients with contracted sockets through the analysis of the speed of graft vascularization and the fornices depth of contraction percentage. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients whose socket contraction from April 2015 to April 2021, 39 patients were included. All the patients were repaired with allogeneic scleral graft.They were randomly enrolled into 2 groups, Laser Group included 18 patients treated with LLLT after operation.Control Group 21 patients who without LLLT after operation and healed naturally. The LLLT equipment used in the research has a wavelength of 650 nm,10mW power, 3.8J/cm2 dosimetry, performed once daily for 5 min over a course of 5 days began with 1 week postoperative. All patients were followed up over a period of 6 months for changes in the size of the area of the non-vascularized graft, upper fornix (UF),inferior fornix (IF) depth. Results: The Laser Group presented a significant increase speed of conjunctival vascularization compared with the Control Group, with a significant statistical difference (P =0.003). The fornices depth of contraction percentage occurred apparent in Control Group compared with Laser Group (P =0.000). Conclusion: LLLT accelerate the speed of conjunctival vascularization,stimulated conjunctival incision healing in a short period,shorten the tissue repair process and reduce the local inflammatory response and no significant conjunctival sac shrinkage occurred.