Effect of a hyperosmotic agent on epithelial disruptions during laser in situ keratomileusis.

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of epithelial disruptions during primary laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with the use of a preoperative hyperosmotic treatment comprising sodium chloride 5% ophthalmic ointment (Muro-128) and to identify the incidence of epithelial disruptions in various demographic populations.

Setting: TLC Laser Eye Center, McLean, Virginia, USA.

Design: Comparative case series.