K. Nakamura et al., Intact corneal epithelium is essential for the prevention of stromal haze after laser assisted in situ keratomileusis, BR J OPHTH, 85(2), 2001, pp. 209-213
Aims-To determine the effect of intact corneal epithelium on stromal haze a
nd myofibroblast cell formation after excimer laser surgery.
Methods-Denuded epithelium alone, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser
in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), or LASIK with denuded epithelium was perfor
med in rabbit eyes. Postoperative anterior stromal haze was assessed employ
ing a standard scale. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect alpha
smooth muscle actin (alpha -SMA), a marker for myofibroblastic cells, and
type III collagen in subepithelial corneal tissue.
Results-Three weeks after surgery, the presence of alpha -SMA positive long
extended and spindle-shaped stromal cells, and synthesis of type III colla
gen were observed in the subepithelial stromal layer corresponding to corne
al haze in PRK and LASIK with denuded epithelium, but not in denuded epithe
lium alone and LASIK.
Conclusion-The intact corneal epithelium may play an important part curbing
subepithelial haze and differentiation of myofibroblasts in corneal wound
healing.