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Mitomycin in PRK can affect endothelial cell count
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WASHINGTON — Use of mitomycin-C in patients undergoing PRK can cause endothelial cell loss, as well as increased patient discomfort, according to Alberto J. Morales, MD.
Dr. Morales evaluated the effects of mitomycin 0.02% after PRK in 18 eyes of nine patients. All patients needed more than 75 µ of ablation depth and did not qualify for LASIK. He discussed his results here at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.
Endothelial cell counts were obtained preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months after PRK, Dr. Morales said. Patient discomfort was evaluated at 1 day and 1 week and at months 1 and 3.
Mitomycin-C (MMC) was applied to one eye of each patient for 30 seconds; the patient’s second eye received saline solution.
The eye that received MMC had significantly more discomfort as reported by the patient. Endothelial cells counts were “slightly reduced,” and corneal pachymetry was increased in the eyes receiving MMC compared with the eyes that had saline, he said.
“We are worried about the significant differences in endothelial cell loss with MMC,” he said.
Dr. Morales noted that these results are preliminary, and he said it is too early to determine the long-term effects of MMC. Longer follow-up is needed, and the researchers are considering evaluating more patients.
Dr. Morales’ presentation was awarded the Best Paper for the session.