Effect of intraoperative mitomycin C application at different concentrations on corneal densitometry after SmartSurfACE transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to investigate corneal densitometry (CD), visual, and refractive outcomes after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK) using smart pulse technology (SPT), known as the SmartSurface procedure, in patients treated with or without mitomycin C (MMC) at conce...

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Main Authors: Taorui Yu, Chunxiao Yan, He Wang, Lin Jin, Xiaoyu Liu, Wenjia Li, Jiliang Ning, Siyu Sun, Zequn Xing, Qiaosi Zhang, Lijun Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:BMC Ophthalmology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-025-04239-w
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Summary:Abstract Purpose This study aimed to investigate corneal densitometry (CD), visual, and refractive outcomes after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK) using smart pulse technology (SPT), known as the SmartSurface procedure, in patients treated with or without mitomycin C (MMC) at concentrations of 0.01% and 0.02%. Methods This retrospective study analyzed 138 eyes of 138 patients who underwent SmartSurface surgery and were categorized into three groups based on intraoperative MMC concentration: the MMC0.02 group (0.02% MMC), the MMC0.01 group (0.01% MMC), and the Control group (no MMC), with 46 eyes per group. Corneal haze, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and spherical equivalent (SE) were assessed preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. Corneal densitometry was performed across different concentric radial zones (0–2, 2–6, and 6–10 mm annulus) and layers (anterior, central, posterior, and total) using Scheimpflug imaging preoperatively and at the same postoperative time points. Results Three months after SmartSurface treatment, the incidence of haze was significantly lower in the MMC0.01 (6.52%) and MMC0.02 (4.35%) groups than in the Control group (15.22%) (P = 0.048 and P = 0.01, respectively). The MMC0.01 and MMC0.02 groups showed no significant differences in haze incidence (P = 0.244). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in UDVA or SE among the three groups at any postoperative time point (all P > 0.05). In terms of corneal densitometry, three months after surgery, the central layer CD values in the 0–2 mm zone (MMC0.01: 14.48 ± 1.21 GSU vs. MMC0.02: 14.56 ± 1.01 GSU vs. Control: 15.23 ± 1.25 GSU) and the posterior layer CD values (MMC0.01: 11.49 ± 0.70 GSU vs. MMC0.02: 11.40 ± 0.70 GSU vs. Control: 11.96 ± 0.78 GSU) were significantly lower in both MMC groups compared to the Control group (all P < 0.05). Similarly, in the 2–6 mm zone, the posterior layer CD values (MMC0.01: 10.41 ± 0.75 GSU vs. MMC0.02: 10.38 ± 0.59 GSU vs. Control: 10.88 ± 0.71 GSU) and total layer CD values (MMC0.01: 13.39 ± 0.54 GSU vs. MMC0.02: 13.36 ± 0.49 GSU vs. Control: 13.65 ± 0.51 GSU) were significantly lower in both MMC groups than in the Control group (all P < 0.05). However, no significant differences in CD values were found between the MMC0.01 and MMC0.02 groups across any zone or layer (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Both 0.01% and 0.02% MMC are similarly effective in preventing haze and enhancing corneal clarity following SmartSurface surgery. However, given the unproven long-term safety of MMC, its use at a lower concentration is advisable to avert potential complications.
ISSN:1471-2415