THE INTRAOCULAR PENETRATION OF DEXAMETHASONE AFTER PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of photorefractive k eratectomy (PRK) on intraocular steroid penetration. MATERIALS AND MET HODS: To assess steroid penetration after PRK, four rabbits underwent unilateral myopic 9.90-D PRK procedures. The other eye was left undist urbed as a control. One week later both eyes received hourly doses of radiolabeled topical dexamethasone. RESULTS: No significant difference in corneal tissue [(mean +/- 1 SD) PRK 4.8 +/- 1.1 mu g/g, control 5. 2 +/- 1.2 mu g/g] or aqueous humor concentration [(mean +/- 1 SD) PRK 0.8 +/- 0.12 mu g/ml, control 0.3 +/- 0.05 mu g/ml] of dexamethasone w as seen. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone penetration in eyes 1 week followi ng PRK is similar to that of the unablated cornea.