| abstract |
The present invention is directed to a method to prevent or reduce postoperative corneal subepithelial haze after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. According to the method, a therapeutically effective amount of one or more plasminogen activators, most preferably urokinase (uPA), is administered topically to the surface of the affected eye at levels between 0.1 and 2,500 IU/ml, about eight to twelve times on the day of surgery, and four to eight times per day for about the next six to twelve days thereafter. The most preferred therapeutic amount is from about 0.1-1 IU uPA/ml, and also 1-10 IU/ml. Plasminogen activators that can be used in the inventions include urokinase, prourokinase, tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase and mutants thereof. The invention also covers topical ophthalmic compositions that include one or more plasminogen activators, most preferably uPA, to prevent or reduce postoperative corneal subepithelial haze. |