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Corneal temperature changes during photorefractive keratectomy

Betney, Simon and Morgan, Philip B. and Doyle, Stephen J. and Efron, Nathan (1997) Corneal temperature changes during photorefractive keratectomy. Cornea, 16(2). pp. 158-161.

Abstract

PURPOSE: Corneal temperature changes in photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) have been implicated in the aetiology of subepithelial haze. This study was undertaken to quantify the temperature change during this surgical procedure. METHODS: Non-contact, colour-coded ocular thermography was performed by using an infrared detection system during PRK on a group of 12 subjects. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) central ocular surface temperature (OST) after epithelial debridement was 29.15 +/- 0.39 degrees C. Mean peak OST during PRK was 37.77 +/- 0.67 degrees C, with most of the temperature increase occurring during the first 15 s. Factors such as ablation depth, optical correction, and procedure duration were not demonstrated to have a significant effect on corneal temperature during the procedure, suggesting a complex relation between-PRK parameters and the change in corneal temperature. CONCLUSIONS: Previous work suggested that corneal collagen denatures at approximately 39 degrees C, and it has been demonstrated that corneal temperature may be elevated to this level during routine PRK. Further research is indicated into the effects of preoperative cooling and pausing in treatment to reduce temperature changes.

ID Code:3389
Item Type:Journal Article
Additional Information:For more information, please refer to the journal’s website (see link) or contact the author. Author contact details: n.efron@qut.edu.au
Additional URLs:
Keywords:Keratectomy, Photorefractive, Excimer Laser, Temperature, Cornea/, physiopathology, Corneal Diseases/, surgery, Collagen/metabolism, Cornea/metabolism, Cornea/surgery, Corneal Diseases/physiopathology, Humans, Protein Denaturation, Visual Acuity
ISSN:0277-3740
Subjects:Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification > MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (110000) > OPTOMETRY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY (111300)
Divisions:Institutes > Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
QUT Faculties and Divisions > Faculty of Health
Copyright Owner:Copyright 1997 Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Deposited On:10 Feb 2006
Last Modified:15 Jan 2009 16:57

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