Excimer Laser Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for Recurrent Erosions: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Recurrent corneal erosion is a common corneal disease. It may be difficult to treat, with a number of patients suffering persistent symptoms despite having had conventional therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the excimer laser for the treatment of recurrent corneal erosions. The authors studied 31 eyes of 24 patients who underwent excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for recurrent corneal erosion. Three eyes were treated during an acute episode of recurrent erosion. The remaining eyes were treated during a symptom-free interval. The affected area of epithelium was removed and a 25 pulse ablation was performed to Bowman's membrane. In 30 eyes there was a marked improvement in symptoms postoperatively, with no recurrences. However, 1 eye had one recurrent episode 2 weeks after PTK. Postoperatively, refraction and corneal topography were unaltered in all cases. Excimer laser PTK appears to be a safe and promising procedure for cases of recurrent corneal erosion refractory to medical treatment.