Therapeutic and protective properties of the corneal collagen shield.

Following completion of radial keratotomy (RK) corneal incisions, 16 rabbits had a collagen shield placed on the operated cornea. Sixteen additional rabbits did not receive a collagen shield and were studied as a control group. The operated eyes of each group were enucleated at specified intervals. Fifty patients between 18 and 30 years of age with myopia greater than -6.5 diopters (D) had RK surgery: 25 patients (31 eyes) were chosen as a control group and 25 patients (30 eyes) had a collagen shield placed on the operated cornea at the end of surgery. Each patient was followed clinically at specified intervals. Histological and clinical findings included decreased postoperative corneal edema and inflammatory reaction and accelerated epithelial and stromal healing time and corneal stability. Patients who received collagen shields noted less glare and discomfort and obtained an average of nearly 1 D greater effect than the control group.