Background:To evaluate,using a rabbit model,the influence of the wound healing process at the flap edge on corneal biomechanics after sutured,glued,and non-augmented microkeratome flaps.Methods:Unilateral 160μm thick...Background:To evaluate,using a rabbit model,the influence of the wound healing process at the flap edge on corneal biomechanics after sutured,glued,and non-augmented microkeratome flaps.Methods:Unilateral 160μm thick laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK)flaps using a mechanical microkeratome were performed on the corneas of the left eyes of 36 rabbits.Animals were then divided into 3 groups of 12 rabbits each:A:the flaps were glued with human fibrin tissue adhesive(Tisseel);B:the flaps were sutured;and C:the flaps were allowed to heal without the use of sutures or glue(non-augmented).The contralateral eyes served as controls.Reichert ocular response analyzer(ORA)was used to measure corneal hysteresis(CH),corneal resistance factor(CRF),Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure(IOPg)and cornea-compensated IOP(IOPcc)at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively.In vivo confocal microscopy(IVCM)was also used to study the corneal wound healing process in all groups.Results:Both mean CH and mean CRF were significantly higher in sutured and glued groups compared with the non-augmented group at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively(P<0.0001).No statistically significant difference in corneal biomechanics was found between controls and groups A and B at any time points.Activated keratocytes were detected at the wound edge and peripheral flap interface in sutured and glued groups.Conclusion:The healing process at the wound edge is critical for optimal corneal integrity.Fibrin glue may serve as a safe and effective substitute to sutures in enhancing the corneal flap edge healing response and in increasing its mechanical strength.展开更多
文摘Background:To evaluate,using a rabbit model,the influence of the wound healing process at the flap edge on corneal biomechanics after sutured,glued,and non-augmented microkeratome flaps.Methods:Unilateral 160μm thick laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK)flaps using a mechanical microkeratome were performed on the corneas of the left eyes of 36 rabbits.Animals were then divided into 3 groups of 12 rabbits each:A:the flaps were glued with human fibrin tissue adhesive(Tisseel);B:the flaps were sutured;and C:the flaps were allowed to heal without the use of sutures or glue(non-augmented).The contralateral eyes served as controls.Reichert ocular response analyzer(ORA)was used to measure corneal hysteresis(CH),corneal resistance factor(CRF),Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure(IOPg)and cornea-compensated IOP(IOPcc)at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively.In vivo confocal microscopy(IVCM)was also used to study the corneal wound healing process in all groups.Results:Both mean CH and mean CRF were significantly higher in sutured and glued groups compared with the non-augmented group at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively(P<0.0001).No statistically significant difference in corneal biomechanics was found between controls and groups A and B at any time points.Activated keratocytes were detected at the wound edge and peripheral flap interface in sutured and glued groups.Conclusion:The healing process at the wound edge is critical for optimal corneal integrity.Fibrin glue may serve as a safe and effective substitute to sutures in enhancing the corneal flap edge healing response and in increasing its mechanical strength.
