AIM:To observe the effect of protein-free calf blood extract eye gel and recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)eye drops on cornea epithelial healing after epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis(Epi-LASIK), and to evaluate the efficacy and safety.

METHODS:One hundred and twenty cases 240 eyes performing Epi-LASIK were randomized into experimental and control group. Sixty cases(120 eyes)were treated as control group with bFGF eye drops for 7 days, four times a day conventionally. Sixty cases(120 eyes )were treated as experimental group with protein-free calf blood extract eye gel for 7 days, four times a day. All the patients of two groups started postmedicating just after the first check on the first day after Epi-LASIK. The postoperative symptoms and signs, time of corneal epithelial recovery, visual acuity, spherical equivalent and corneal subepithelial opacity(haze)were examined at special time in patients of two groups within 6 months.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference in grades of postoperative symptom and sign between experimental and control group before postmedicating on the first day after Epi-LASIK(t=1.2912,P>0.05). There was no significant difference in effective rate between two groups(P>0.05). The experimental group got a more significant decline of grades of postoperative symptom and sign than control group on the 3^rd day postoperatively(t=2.2366, P<0.05), which gave evidence of protein-free calf blood extract eye gel has faster onset of action than bFGF eye drops. There was no significant difference in time of corneal epithelial recovery between two groups(t=1.4586, P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the long-term results of visual acuity, spherical equivalent and haze between two groups(P>0.05). There was no adverse drug effect during treatment.

CONCLUSION: Short-term application of protein-free calf blood extract eye gel after Epi-LASIK has distinct stimulative effect on the healing of corneal epithelium, which can significantly improve the postoperative irritative symptoms. Its effect is faster than conventional treatment. Protein-free calf blood extract eye gel with good safety, can be used alone or in combination, and has better application prospect.