Topical ascorbic acid after LASIK: Short term effects

Material & Methods: A parallel design, prospective randomized double masked placebo controlled clinical trial in which hundred patients more than 18 years of age with stable myopia of more than 1.5 diopters were enrolled. Preoperative visual acuity, corneal thickness and detailed slit lamp biomicroscopic examination were done. Patients were instructed to instill one drop of allotted drug (either ascorbic acid or placebo) four times daily along with the routine post LASIK medications for the three consecutive post-operative days. Visual acuity, corneal thickness, slit lamp biomicroscopy for corneal wound and interface, tolerance to drug and relief of pain was assessed on day one and day seven. Results were evaluated by preset questionnaires and comprehensive clinical examination on the day one and day seven. There were no significant differences on day one and day seven in visual acuity, corneal clarity, corneal thickness and corneal wound healing (p>0.05). Ascorbic acid for the first three days postoperatively after LASIK did not show any immediate clinical benefit over placebo.