C Adams1, S B C Mahler2, L Daas2, A Langenbucher3, B Seitz2. 1. Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes UKS, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66424, Homburg/Saar, Deutschland. ch.adams@me.com. 2. Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes UKS, Kirrberger Str. 100, 66424, Homburg/Saar, Deutschland. 3. Experimentelle Ophthalmologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes UKS, Homburg/Saar, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Excimer laser-assisted phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) has become established as the gold standard in treatment of epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD), commonly also known as map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy (MDF). At the Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center in Homburg/Saar, systems from Zeiss Meditec and Schwind have been used. The outcomes of both were compared in this study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included patients who underwent PTK with a diagnosis of MDF between 2007 and 2017. A total of 170 operations were performed using Zeiss Meditec MEL-70 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) and 98 using a Schwind eye-tech-solutions Amaris 750S laser (Schwind eye-tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany). Preoperative and postoperative data for visual acuity, refraction and astigmatism as well as curvature data from the Pentacam and endothelial cell count were collected. The follow-up period averaged 8 months. RESULTS: In both groups visual acuity postoperatively was significantly better (Zeiss: p < 0.001, Schwind p < 0.004). The improvement in the Schwind group was less than in the Zeiss group, which is the reason why there was a significant difference between the laser systems postoperatively (p < 0.017). There were no significant changes regarding the spherical equivalent after PTK. Regarding astigmatism, there was a significant decrease in the Zeiss group (p < 0.042), while it did not change significantly in patients treated with Schwind laser (p < 0.217). Overall, this led to a significant postoperative difference between both laser systems (p < 0.014). CONCLUSION: The PTK can be recommended as an effective treatment method for patients with EBMD, regardless of the laser systems used. Patients benefit from long relief from recurrences with improved or constant visual acuity and stable refraction.
BACKGROUND: Excimer laser-assisted phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) has become established as the gold standard in treatment of epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD), commonly also known as map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy (MDF). At the Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center in Homburg/Saar, systems from Zeiss Meditec and Schwind have been used. The outcomes of both were compared in this study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study included patients who underwent PTK with a diagnosis of MDF between 2007 and 2017. A total of 170 operations were performed using Zeiss Meditec MEL-70 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) and 98 using a Schwind eye-tech-solutions Amaris 750S laser (Schwind eye-tech-solutions GmbH, Kleinostheim, Germany). Preoperative and postoperative data for visual acuity, refraction and astigmatism as well as curvature data from the Pentacam and endothelial cell count were collected. The follow-up period averaged 8 months. RESULTS: In both groups visual acuity postoperatively was significantly better (Zeiss: p < 0.001, Schwind p < 0.004). The improvement in the Schwind group was less than in the Zeiss group, which is the reason why there was a significant difference between the laser systems postoperatively (p < 0.017). There were no significant changes regarding the spherical equivalent after PTK. Regarding astigmatism, there was a significant decrease in the Zeiss group (p < 0.042), while it did not change significantly in patients treated with Schwind laser (p < 0.217). Overall, this led to a significant postoperative difference between both laser systems (p < 0.014). CONCLUSION: The PTK can be recommended as an effective treatment method for patients with EBMD, regardless of the laser systems used. Patients benefit from long relief from recurrences with improved or constant visual acuity and stable refraction.