ABSTRACT
The surgical outcome of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy(PRK) depends on the accuracy of ablation and the smoothness of the surface ablated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of a new eyeball fixation device(EK fixation device). First, the PRK was done on the cornea of New Zealand white rabbit (-8 D, 5.5 mm). The surface with the device was smoother compared to that without. Second, The PRK (-4 D, 6 mm)was done on the surface of the contact lens over the cornea of human volunteers. The ablation surface with the device was smoother than that without(0.20+/-0.04 micrometer vs. 0.34 +/-0.14 micrometer, p=0.028). The epithelial healing experiment in New Zealand white rabbit after myopic PRK (-8 D, 5.5 mm)showed more rapid wound healing in the fixation group (66.49+/-0.03 micrometer/hr vs 47.93+/-1.80 micrometer/hr, p=0.0001). In conclusion, the EK fixation device during the PRK procedures creates a smoother ablation surface and enhances corneal epithelial healing, thus may be a useful clinical device.