Observation of the corneal flap interface with metal particles in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE

To observe changes, such as diffuse lamellar keratitis, at the corneal interface when metal particles from microkeratome blades were left in rabbit eyes.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Suidobashi Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

METHODS

Following the creation of a corneal flap with microkeratome, metal particles from a microkeratome blade were placed at the corneal interface in 14 rabbit eyes. Microscopic and histopathologic changes were compared with those in the control eyes (n = 4), which did not receive any metal particles. Each examination was conducted at 3 days, 2 weeks, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The change in the depth of the metal particles was also measured.

RESULTS

Slitlamp examination did not show an inflammatory reaction or corneal opacification in any eye (100%) with metal particles at the flap interfaces. Histopathologic examinations showed no obvious changes at the flap interfaces or around the metal particles in any eye.

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory reactions, such as diffuse lamellar keratitis, do not appear to be induced by metal particles from the microkeratome blade itself.