The intraocular penetration of dexamethasone after photorefractive keratectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) on intraocular steroid penetration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To assess steroid penetration after PRK, four rabbits underwent unilateral myopic 9.90-D PRK procedures. The other eye was left undisturbed as a control. One week later both eyes received hourly doses of radiolabeled topical dexamethasone.

RESULTS

No significant difference in corneal tissue [(mean +/- 1 SD) PRK 4.8 +/- 1.1 micrograms/g, control 5.2 +/- 1.2 micrograms/g] or aqueous humor concentration [(mean +/- 1 SD) PRK 0.8 +/- 0.12 microgram/ml, control 0.9 +/- 0.05 microgram/ml] of dexamethasone was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Dexamethasone penetration in eyes 1 week following PRK is similar to that of the unablated cornea.