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  • A randomised, double masked, clinical trial of high dose vitamin A and vitamin E supplementation after photorefractive keratectomy

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Scientific correspondence
A randomised, double masked, clinical trial of high dose vitamin A and vitamin E supplementation after photorefractive keratectomy
  1. Michele Vetrugno,
  2. Anna Maino,
  3. Giuseppina Cardia,
  4. Grazia Maria Quaranta,
  5. Luigi Cardia
  1. Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology- Otorhinolaryngology, University of Bari, Italy
  1. Michele Vetrugno, MD, Istituto Clinica Oculistica, Università di Bari, Policlinico, piazza G Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italym.vetrugno{at}oftalmo.uniba.it

Abstract

AIM To evaluate the effect of a high dose vitamin A and E supplementation on corneal re-epithelialisation time, visual acuity and haze following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

METHODS Two groups of 20 patients who underwent myopic PRK were supplemented with either 25 000 IU retinol palmitate and 230 mg α tocopheryl nicotinate or a placebo. Clinical outcomes were evaluated up to 360 days.

RESULTS In the vitamin treated group, re-epithelialisation time was significantly faster (p=0.029) and haze incidence was reduced (p=0.035), especially for high myopic corrections (p=0.043). This group also reported a significantly better uncorrected visual acuity (p=0.043).

CONCLUSIONS High dose vitamin A and E oral supplementation may accelerate re-epithelialisation time and may reduce corneal haze formation after PRK.

  • vitamin A
  • vitamin E
  • photorefractive keratectomy
  • re-epithelialisation

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjo.85.5.537

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