Radial Keratotomy and Corneal Permeability in Owl Monkey

Radial keratotomy was performed on Owl Monkey corneas using 8 incisions with sparing of a 3.5mm central pupillary area. Cornea endothelial membrane permeabilities were determined at 2 days, and 4 weeks, following the procedure using simultaneous flux determinations of 3H-labeled inulin and 14C-labelled dextran. Inulin permeability was increased 27% two days following the procedure, and had returned to levels comparable to the unoperated eye 4 weeks following the procedure. Dextran permeability was unaltered at both 2 days, and 4 weeks, following the procedure. This study has shown that radial keratotomy causes a transient reduction in endothelial barrier function with the production of physiologically significant 'holes' in the membrane in the immediate post-operative period. The relationship of this physiological alteration to ultimate endothelial cell function is, at the present time, unknown.