Assessment of the content of proinflammatory cytokines in lacrimal fluid after formation of corneal flap using mechanical microkeratome and femtosecond laser

To perform a comparative analysis of interleukins IL-8 and IL-1β concentration in the lacrimal fluid of patients after the Lasik and Femto-Lasik operations. Clinical data are based on results of Lasik and Femto-Lasik procedures (excimer laser Technolas 217z100, femtosecond laser FEMTEC 520F). The study included 3 groups of patients: the group I - patients after Lasik, the group II - after Femto-Lasik, and a control group. Determination of the interleukins IL-8, IL-1β concentration in lacrimal fluid was performed using the commercial test systems (Cytokine Ltd. Company, St-Petersburg) according to the instructions of the manufacturer. There are no statistically significant differences between the groups I and II. Any authentic change in the level of all tested indices was not revealed. It is an evidence of the absence of a significantly more damaging action of the femtosecond laser compared to the formation of corneal flap using of a mechanical microkeratome. It is authentically defined that the immune response of cornea to a surgical trauma does not change essentially depending on a type of the Lasik or Femto-Lasik procedure. However the increase pro-inflammatory cytokines in the early postoperative period is noted.