Glue Adhesive for Corneal Flap after Lasik Eye Surgery

Glue Adhesive for Corneal Flap after Lasik Eye Surgery

Glue Adhesive May Reduce Risks of Complications from Lasik Eye Surgery

 

 

Researchers from Kansas State University have created an adhesive mixture designed to reduce the risks associated with LASIK eye surgery (laser vision correction surgery). LASIK—Laser in Situ Keratomileusis—surgery utilizes a laser focused underneath the corneal flap in order to restore the shape of the cornea. The purpose of the surgery is to restore vision so that the patient no longer requires contact lenses or glasses in order to see clearly.

There are a number of complications from LASIK eye surgery, including Lasik Flap Complications such as improper adherence of the flap to the eye’s surface, irregular astigmatism, keratectasia, diffuse lamellar keratitis, and complications that cause visual aberrations. For example, if the laser correction is not centered on the eye correctly, irregular astigmatism can occur causing symptoms such as double vision and glare.

The glue mixture developed by Kansas State University researchers involves the use of riboflavin, fibrinogen, and ultraviolet light. The adhesive has shown potential for improving the overall safety of LASIK surgery. The glue has the necessary characteristics to bind to the corneal surfaces. This is very important to achieve a positive outcome for the laser eye surgery.

 

 

During the procedure, a cornea flap is created so that the laser has access to corneal tissue in order to remove a certain amount of this tissue. After the tissue is removed, the flap is placed back in its normal position. The only factor holding the flap onto the cornea is surface tension. The glue created by the researchers helps in firmly attaching the flap to the cornea.

While, in most cases, the flap will remain in the correct position as long as the eye does not receive blunt force trauma, the fact is that a small percentage of patients will experience blunt force trauma to the eye.

This trauma can be something as simple as being hit in the eye with a tennis ball, which may cause the flap to open and become susceptible to contamination. The innovative adhesive would prevent this from happening even if blunt force trauma to the eye is experienced.

The combination of binding proteins, fibrinogen, and riboflavin in the glue, followed by application of ultraviolet light, is ideal for providing the most effective adhesive for keeping the cornea flap in the correct position after laser vision correction surgery.

The use of the adhesive during LASIK surgery can help patients to avoid eye surgeries in the future. The goal is to ensure that patients will not need any ophthalmological or surgical intervention at a later time.

 

 

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