Novel Technique of Alcohol Impregnated Merocel Disc for Epitheliectomy Compared to Conventionally Used Alcohol Well in Photorefractive Keratectomy

Authors: Agarwal P*

Volume 5, Issue 1

Abstract

Photorefractive keratectomy has been used as a refractive modality of choice where LASIK is contraindicated. Alcohol superseded over manual scraping for epitheliectomy in photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) due to quick visual rehabilitation and less incidence of haze. The seepage of alcohol along edges of well into the adjacent conjunctiva and ocular surface causes severe postoperative pain and inflammation. It describes an innovative technique (alcohol impregnated merocel disc) for epithelial removal. The postoperative pain scoring/uncorrected visual acuity/lid edema and conjunctiva injection/size of epithelial defect/ocular surface were evaluated postoperatively. The postoperative pain and inflammatory signs (lid edema and conjunctival injection) were significantly reduced and visual acuity was better on postoperative day 1 and day 3 as compared to the control eyes in which alcohol well were used. This is a simple and cost effective technique maintaining the outcome similar to Trans epithelial PRK without being limited by the availability of specific laser platform.

Keywords: Epitheliectomy; Lasik; Keratocyte; Conjunctivae; Corneal; Mean Pain Score

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