AIM: To evaluate the safety and clinical effect of protein- free calf blood extract after epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis(Epi-LASIK)surgery.

METHODS: Totally 112 eyes with Epi-LASIK were randomly divided into Group A(protein-free calf blood extract eye gels)and Group B(recombinant human epidermal growth factor, rhEGF): Group A with 29 patients 58 eyes were treated by protein-free calf blood extract eye gels and Group B with 27 patients 54 eyes were treated by rhEGF eye drops. In each group after Epi-LASIK, the drug was used immediately. Postoperative irritation, growth of epithelial flap, postoperative visual acuity, time to achieve the preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, haze development etc were observed for 6-12 months.

RESULTS: The growth of epithelial flap in the Group A was better than the Group B and there was statistically significant difference(P<0.05). One month after surgery, 45 eyes(77.6%)in the Group A and 32 eyes(59.3%)in the Group B achieved the preoperative best-corrected visual acuity which was statistically significant(P<0.05). The time to achieve the preoperative best-corrected visual acuity in most Group A patients was shorter than 1 week while in the Group B it was longer than 2 weeks, which was statistically significant(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in haze development between 2 groups(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Application of protein-free calf blood extract after Epi-LASIK can relieve epithelial flap edema, shorten time of visual acuity rehabilitation and alleviate the sensation of dry eye. It is a safe, effective method and presents a captivating prospect.