We developed a model of corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy
(PRK) in Iber Braun hens and studied optical properties. The animals underw
ent PRK for -9.0 diopters of myopia and were divided into groups based on t
reatment with different wound-healing modulators. At different time points
postoperatively, we evaluated haze by slit-lamp microscopy. An experimental
device was developed to measure transmittance spatial maps and forward sca
ttering of He-Ne laser light in the excised corneas. Subjective and objecti
ve haze measures were compared for each group at the different times. Kerat
ocyte densities were determined by optical microscopy and keratocyte sizes
by electron microscopy. The agreement between experimental results and a si
mple numerical model of scattering suggests that increases in stromal kerat
ocyte density after PRK might explain the degree of corneal haze. (C) 2001
Optical Society of America.