Is Plasma is a Safe Method for non-invasive Ocular Surface surgery

Purpose: Using plasma offers an alternative to invasive surgical procedures, reducing recovery time and any complications that can arise before and after surgery. Due to the sensitivity of ocular surface surgeries and the potential of Plasma, it can be evaluated to treat some ocular surface disorders. In this study we evaluated the safety of the Plasma on the ocular surface tissue in animal model. Methods: Nine adult male New Zealand albino rabbits were used for experiments. Experiments were performedon three areas located in the cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva under the influence of created plasma by the Plexr device. The Plexr was in continues mode and low power level (white hand piece) was utilized at 0.7 second intervals using 22-gauge needle. For evaluation of plasma safety, ocular surface integrity and histopathological changes were assessed after 24 h (A), one week (B), and one month (C). Results: Conjunctival chemosis, redness and discharge scores in groups A, was significantly higher than other groups (B & C). These results were also histologically confirmed. After 24 h (A) conjunctival and corneal sections showed a localized area of epithelial loss together with infiltration of inflammatory cells in subepithelial stroma, but during the one-month period, recovery was evident. Generally, after the first week (group B), the loss of integrity of corneal epithelium has not been completely improved yet, while it was recovered nearly to be normal in group C. It was noteworthy that in all groups the loss of endothelium cells was not apparent which confirming the lack of damage to the endothelial layer of the cornea. Conclusion: Our results showed the safety of Plexr method on the surface of the eye. Accordingly, Plexr can be used as an alternative way of treating some ocular surface disorders without the need of hard surgery.