A randomised, double masked, clinical trial of high dose vitamin A and vitamin E supplementation after photorefractive keratectomy. Issue 5 (1st May 2001)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vetrugno, Michele; Maino, Anna; Cardia, Giuseppina; Quaranta, Grazia Maria; Cardia, Luigi
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 85:Issue 5(2001)
• Page Start: 537
• Page End: 539
• Publication Date: 2001-05-01
• Subjects: vitamin A -- vitamin E -- photorefractive keratectomy -- re-epithelialisation; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.85.5.537
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

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.