AIM: To observe the effect of protein-free calf blood extract eye gel on epithelial healing after Epi-LASIK, and to improve the clinical use of postoperative eye irritation.

METHODS: Seventy-eight patients(156 eyes)performing off-flap Epi-LASIK were randomized into experimental and control groups. Forty patients(80 eyes)were in experimental group and thirty-eight patients(76 eyes)in control group. The two groups were treated with compound tobramycin eye drops, tears naturale eye drops for 7 days, four times a day, then the conventional artificial tears and 1g/L fluorometholone were given. Protein-free calf blood extract eye gel for 7 days, four times a day were given in the experimental group, the follow-up time was 6 months, the postoperative pain, time of corneal epithelial recovery, visual acuity and corneal subepithelial opacity(haze)were examined at special time in two groups. Clinical outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS: The mean time of corneal epithelial recovery was(2.89±1.06)days in the experimental group and(4.22±1.47)days in the control group. Compared with the control group, outcome of rapider reepithelialization was found in the experimental group, there was statistical difference(t=6.45, P<0.05). The average pain score of experimental group was(1.70±0.44)on the first day and(1.02±0.60)on the second day, the control group was(2.89±0.43)and(1.71±0.55), the experimental group obviously had milder pain, there was statistical difference(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in visual acuity and haze between the two groups(P >0.05).

CONCLUSION: Protein-free calf blood extract eye gel has effectiveness on reducing ocular pain and promoting cornea epithelial healing after Epi-LASIK, the application is safe and has shorter onset time.