[New method of astigmatism correction: bitoric single-meridian kerato-ablation in photorefraction surgery]. / Novyi sposob korrektsii astigmatizma -- bitoricheskaia keratoabliatsiia v odnom meridiane pri fotorefraktsionnykh operatsiiakh.

The technique and results of an original method for correction of common myopic astigmatism and mixed small-sphere astigmatism by means of bitoric photokeratoablation are described. Forty-six operations were performed on patients with 2-7 diopter astigmatism. Residual 0.87 diopter astigmatism was observed in patients with the initial value of less than 3 diopters. At initial astigmatism higher than 3 diopters, residual value was 1.49 diopters 3 months postoperation. No changes in the spheric component of initial refraction occurred. The proposed technique includes estimation of bitoric keratoablation, order of steps, and values of ablation algorithm enhancement. The method helps decrease the depth of keratoablation, rules out hypercorrection, and creates optimal conditions for reoperations.

[Activity of lacrimal plasmin-like enzymes in the evaluation of the corneal state after photorefraction surgery]. / Aktivnost' plazminopodobnykh fermentov slezy v otsenke sostoianiia rogovitsy posle fotorefraktsionnykh operatsii.

Forty-three patients (58 eyes) were observed, who used contact lenses for a long time before photorefraction operations (photorefraction keratectomy and laser specialized keratomileusis--PRK and LASIK). Measurements of lacrimal plasmin-like enzymes (PLE) were carried out before and after operations on a Uniscan II microreader. Corneal and conjunctival intactness was evaluated by Bengal rose staining. Before surgery PLE activity was 3.5 times higher than normally in the patients using contact lenses. After PRK and LASIK, PLE activity increased and was 25% lower after LASIK than after PRK. Based on the data of preoperative diagnosis (Bengal rose test, measurement of PLE activities, Norn and Schirmer tests), the patients with contact lens intolerance without hypoproduction of tears are recommended rehabilitation treatment with drugs activating the repair processes (Vitacic, etc.), while patients with contact lens intolerance and tear hypoproduction are recommended low concentrations of viscoelastic drugs (Vismed).