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

Br J Ophthalmol. 2001 May;85(5):537-9. doi: 10.1136/bjo.85.5.537.

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 alpha 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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Epithelium, Corneal / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Excimer
  • Myopia / therapy*
  • Ophthalmic Solutions / therapeutic use
  • Photorefractive Keratectomy / methods*
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Steroids
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity / drug effects
  • Vitamin A / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin E / therapeutic use*
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Ophthalmic Solutions
  • Steroids
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E