Using a Nidek excimer laser with a rotary epithelial brush and corneal chilling: Clinical results

Purpose: To perform a prospective study using a rotary epithelial scrubber, a prescrub, and postoperative cooling of the cornea with chilled balanced salt solution (BSS(R)) (4 degrees C to 6 degrees C) and a Nidek EC-5000 exc imer laser. Setting: The Johannesburg Excimer Laser Eye Centre, South Africa. Methods: The first 90 consecutive eyes with myopia from -1.00 to -10.50 dio pters (D) and astigmatism up to 3.00 D were treated. Follow-up was from 9 t o 22 months (mean 13.85 months). Bilateral photorefractive keratectomy was performed in 40 patients. Results Bilateral vision with a bandage lens on the day after surgery was 2 0/30, 20/40, and 20/60 in 20%, 60%, and 100% of patients. Uniocular vision was 20/20, 20/25, 20/40, 20/60, and 20/80 in 2.2%, 4.4%, 35.5%, 71.1%, and 93.3% of eyes, respectively. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) on removal of the contact lens was 20/30, 20/40(-1), and 20/60 in 15.79%. 73.48%, and 10 0% of eyes. After 6 months (82 eyes), UCVA was 20/20, 20/25, and 20/40 in 7 5.6%, 93.9%, and 100%. After 12 months (36 eyes), it was 20/20 and 20/25 in 83.3% and 100%. No eye required retreatment. Conclusion: Scanning silt laser treatment after precise removal of the epit helium with a rotary scrubber, prescrub, acid postlaser cooling allowed rap id, accurate correction of myopia and astigmatism. (C) 1999 ASCRS and ESCRS .