The Effect of Nerve Growth Factor on Corneal Sensitivity after Laser in Situ Keratomileusis.

Jo, Seok Ho; Joo, Myung Jin; O'Brien, Terrence P

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2003;44(12):2885-2889.
Published online December 1, 2003.

The Effect of Nerve Growth Factor on Corneal Sensitivity after Laser in Situ Keratomileusis.

Seok Ho Jo, Myung Jin Joo, Terrence P O'Brien

¹Department of Ophthalmology, Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital, Korea. mjjoo@injc.inje.ac.kr
²Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Korea.

LASIK 후 점안한 신경성장인자가 각막지각에 미치는 효과

조석호 ( Jo Seog Ho ) , 주명진 ( Ju Myeong Jin ) , ( Terrence P. O`Brien )

Abstract

PURPOSE
To determine if topically administered nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a role in accelerating the recovery of corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: A prospective double-masked study comparing the effect of topical NGF or balanced salt solution on corneal sensitivity after LASIK in rabbits was performed. Pre- and postoperative corneal sensitivity was assessed using the Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer. RESULTS: Eyes that were treated with topical NGF demonstrated an earlier and faster recovery of corneal sensitivity after LASIK (p=0.0071). A statistically significant difference in corneal sensitivity was found between the topical NGF and control group at the postoperative time points of 2 weeks (p=0.0098), 3 weeks (p=0.0309), and 4 weeks (p=0.0276). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that topically administered NGF plays a significant role in accelerating corneal reinnervation after LASIK.

Key Words: Corneal sensitivity;LASIK;Nerve growth factor