Observation of the corneal flap interface with metal particles in a rabbit model.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To observe changes, such as diffuse lamellar keratitis, at the corneal interface when metal particles from microkeratome blades were left in rabbit eyes. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental College, Suidobashi Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. METHODS: Following the creation of a corneal flap with microkeratome, metal particles from a microkeratome blade were placed at the corneal interface in 14 rabbit eyes. Microscopic and histopathologic changes were compared with those in the control eyes (n = 4), which did not receive any metal particles. Each examination was conducted at 3 days, 2 weeks, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The change in the depth of the metal particles was also measured. RESULTS: Slitlamp examination did not show an inflammatory reaction or corneal opacification in any eye (100%) with metal particles at the flap interfaces. Histopathologic examinations showed no obvious changes at the flap interfaces or around the metal particles in any eye. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory reactions, such as diffuse lamellar keratitis, do not appear to be induced by metal particles from the microkeratome blade itself.