Three-dimensional organization of collagen fibrils during corneal stromal wound healing after excimer laser keratectomy

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Abstract
Scattering in Scheimpflug images of the corneas of white rabbits after excimer laser keratectomy. Collagen fibril structure was examined using scanning electron microscopy after chemical digestion with sodium hydroxide solution; the same specimens were examined by transmission electron microcopy after re-embedding. Results: Corneal haze reached a peak 4 weeks after excimer laser keratectomy and then gradually decreased, The collagen fibrils of the normal cornea were regularly arranged parallel to the surface of the cornea, with small interfibrillar distances. After excimer laser keratectomy, the arrangement was highly disordered, with increased interfibrillar distances. These structural changes were most prominent 4 weeks after excimer laser keratectomy. Conclusion: The structural changes in the collagen fibrils of the corneal stroma, especially the increase in interfibrillar distances and the disordered arrangement, were associated with corneal haze after excimer laser keratectomy. aReprint requests to Yuichi Kaji, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Hogou 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan. Supported by grant-in-aid for science research from the Sankyo Life Foundation of Life Science and the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports, and Culture. © Williams & Wilkins 1998. All Rights Reserved....