Long ‐term evaluation of corneal sub‐basal nerve recovery after photorefractive keratectomy and influence of pars plana vitrectomy

The aim of the study is to evaluate corneal sub ‐basal nerves (SBN) a mean of 15.6 years after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and the effects on them of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). PRK eyes showed reduced SBN plexus compared with non‐PRK eyes. In addition, SBN density showed a slow but continuous recovery process up to the end of our follow‐up (25 years) after PRK. Both PRK and non‐PRK eyes showed a marked reduction in SBN density 6 months after PPV. AbstractThe corneal sub ‐basal nerve (SBN) plexus is destroyed during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and its recovery is still a matter of debate. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) was used to evaluate SBN plexus in 23 patients at a distance of 10–25 years (mean 15.6 years) from myopic PRK. Because 8 out of the 23 PRK patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, IVCM was also performed on those patients 6 months after PPV. Thirteen patients matched for age and myopia served as controls (non‐PRK). SBN plexus was markedly reduced after PRK compared with non‐PRK eyes and showed a slow, continuous but incomplete recovery up to the end of our follow‐up (range 10–25 years). PRK and non‐PRK eyes showed a marked reduction in SBN density 6 months after PPV, thus demonstrating a detrimental effect exerted by PPV on SBN plexus.
Source: Journal of Cellular Physiology - Category: Cytology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research