PURPOSETo evaluate the safety and efficacy of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with single application of mitomycin C for patients with severe corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for high myopia.METHODSEight eyes of seven patients were treated with PTK and intraoperative topical application of mitomycin C (0.02%) for severe corneal haze (grade 3) following PRK for myopia.RESULTSAll patients' visual performance improved significantly. Mean preoperative visual acuity (20/200 for both UCVA and BSCVA) improved significantly to 20/33 (0.6) and 20/30 (0.7) for UCVA and BSCVA, respectively. Six eyes (85.7%) had improved UCVA to 20/40 or better and gained five or more lines of UCVA. The corneal haze score decreased from grade 3 initially (for all eyes prior to PTK and mitomycin C) to a final mean haze score of 0.3 (range 0 to 0.5). Mean final spherical equivalent refraction achieved was -1.30 +/- 1.60 D (range -3.75 to +1.25 D). One eye gained only three lines of visual acuity due to regression and residual haze. No adverse effects related to the use of mitomycin C were recorded.CONCLUSIONPTK with a single intraoperative application of mitomycin C was safe and effective in reducing corneal haze and improving visual acuity in patients with severe corneal haze following PRK.

PURPOSE:To report our experience in preventing diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) by wiping the microkeratome blade with sterile 100% alcohol. SETTING:Enaim Refractive Surgery Center, Jerusalem, Israel. METHODS:Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed in 24 patients (48 eyes) on the same day by the same surgeon. The environment and instruments were identical in all cases. A new blade was used in both eyes of each patient. All blades were from the same batch and were randomly assigned to 2 groups. In the alcohol group, 12 blades were wiped with a Merocel surgical spear (Medtronic Solan) dipped in 100% alcohol and rinsed with balanced salt solution (BSS) before they were mounted in a Hansatome microkeratome (Bausch & Lomb Co.); in the control group, 12 blades were wiped with a Merocel surgical spear dipped in BSS and rinsed with BSS. All patients were examined on the first postoperative day. RESULTS:Grade I to II DLK was diagnosed in 7 eyes of 4 patients in the control group (29%). No DLK was diagnosed in the alcohol group. CONCLUSION:Wiping the microkeratome blade with 100% alcohol before mounting may remove a substance from the manufacturing or sterilization process that can cause DLK.

PURPOSE:To report the outcome of uncomplicated removal of corneal foreign bodies in patients who previously underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).METHODS:Nine eyes of eight patients presented with corneal foreign bodies after LASIK.RESULTS:In three patients, diagnosis of corneal foreign bodies was delayed due to reduced pain and symptoms. Removal of foreign bodies was performed with no flap-related complications. Corneal wound healing was normal. Final visual acuity was not decreased.CONCLUSION:Corneal foreign bodies can be removed safely and effectively from corneas after LASIK.