Interleukin 12 in the Acute Phase of the Immune Response after Excimer Laser Treatment.

Background And Objectives: The aim of the research was to investigate the differences in the concentrations of IL-12, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ in tears after LASIK and PRK procedures.

Materials And Methods: The study included 68 myopic eyes up to -3.0 D refractive spherical equivalent, divided into two groups: Group 1 LASIK ( = 31) and Group 2 PRK ( = 37). Three tear samples were taken from each eye: immediately before the procedure (t), 1 h after the procedure (t), and 24 h after the procedure (t). The concentrations of IL-12p70, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ in the tear samples were determined by flow cytometry. Participants were not taking anti-inflammatory therapy 24 h after the procedure.

Results: IL-4 levels 1 h after treatment did not differ between LASIK and PRK ( = 0.990), while 24 h after PRK there was a significant decrease in IL-4 levels ( < 0.05), but not after LASIK ( = 0.476). In both the LASIK ( < 0.05) and PRK ( < 0.05) groups, there is an increase in IL-10 concentrations 1 h after treatment, which persists 24 h after LASIK ( < 0.05) but not after PRK ( = 0.081). There is an increase in IL-12p70 concentration 1 h after treatment in both the LASIK ( < 0.001) and PRK groups ( < 0.001). There is also an increase in IL-12p70 concentration 24 h after PRK ( < 0.005), but not after LASIK ( = 0.775).

Conclusions: IL-4 concentration shows a significantly higher value in the LASIK group than in the PRK group after 24 h. IL-10 and IL-12p70 levels increase one hour after surgery in both groups. After 24 h, the IL-10 levels remain elevated in the LASIK group, and the IL-12p70 levels remain elevated in the PRK group. Thus, LASIK and PRK procedures show different inflammatory dynamics.