Quantitative analysis of chondroitin sulfate in tear fluids following laser in situ keratomileusis.

Purpose: To report chondroitin sulfate (CS) concentrations in tear fluid following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK).

Methods: Fourteen eyes that underwent LASIK were enrolled. We measured the CS isomers chondroitin 4 sulfate and chondroitin 6 sulfate using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1 and 4, week 1, and 1 and 3 months.

Results: The chondroitin 4 sulfate concentration remained unchanged from preoperative values. The chondroitin 6 sulfate concentration increased temporarily 1 day postoperatively and gradually decreased thereafter.

Conclusions: CS in tear fluids participates in wound healing after LASIK. Clarifying its role in tear fluids will contribute to improved LASIK outcomes.