This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Enzyme staining shows no scar tissue formation after LASIK
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
LASIK-treated corneas seem to lack scar tissue formation, according to a lab study that used stains to identify enzymes involved in corneal healing.
Siegfried G. Priglinger, MD, and colleagues in Germany examined the evidence of enzymes called transglutaminases in one donor cornea with prior uneventful LASIK and one with corneal scarring after penetrating injury. Cryostat sections were stained for tissue transglutaminase, keratocyte transglutaminase and their reaction product.
Under light microscopy, the flap interface of the LASIK-treated eye could hardly be detected, while in the injured eye infiltration of cells and a clear margin next to the scar formation were present, the researchers noted. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a distinct staining in the corneal scar. In contrast, neither transglutaminase nor the reaction product could be observed at the flap margin or in the interface of the LASIK-treated donor eye.
The study is published in the July issue of Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.