RESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the suitability, biocompatibility, and efficacy of a proprietary hydrogel photoablative inlay (PAI) for use during laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: Laboratory study, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. METHODS: Eight rabbits (1 eye each) underwent the PAI-LASIK procedure; 4 eyes had a disk-shaped inlay and 4, a donut-shaped inlay. Preoperatively, the hydrogel material was ablated with a programmed correction of 5.0 diopters of hyperopia or myopia. RESULTS: The eyes were followed for 1 to 16 months. No eye showed signs of rejection or extrusion of the PAI. There was no significant difference in corneal clarity or the healing rate between eyes with donut-shaped PAIs and those with disk-shaped PAIs. One eye with a donut-shaped PAI had minimal corneal haze. The remaining inlays did not opacify or fracture during ablation. CONCLUSION: The hydrogel material can be used for the proposed PAI-LASIK procedure.
