[Research of corneal ectasia following laser in-situ keratomileusis in rabbits].

PURPOSE

To analyze the relationship of the intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal ectasia in rabbits underwent laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

METHODS

This random study comprised three groups: twenty-eight eyes of white rabbits underwent-3D to -10D myopic LASIK, twelve eyes underwent 3D to 10D myopic LASIK, twelve eyes served as controls. The rabbits were examined mask under general anesthesia pre- and post-operation. We investigated CCT, curvature and corneal ectasia of the rabbit at difference IOP level after the operation. Then the corneal conformation of rabbits was analyzed by topography modeling system (TMS). The pathological changes of the rabbit corneas were observed. The effect of the corneal thickness and IOP are analysed by statistical methods.

RESULTS

The IOP and CCT are significantly correlated with the corneal ectasia respectively (P < 0.001) and together (P < 0.05). Keratoconus patterns were detected in rabbits by keratoconus screening system, and the pathological character of keratoconus was also found.

CONCLUSION

The ablation depth of cornea and high IOP had a significant effect on corneal ectasia after LASIK treatment for myopia respectively and together. It suggested that the over ablation quantity on cornea and high IOP were the main reasons for keratoconus after LASIK.