BACKGROUND: Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy has generated considerable interest in treating superficial corneal and scleral pathology. The excimer laser is also used to treat recurrent corneal epithelial erosions. METHODS: With the MEL 50 Aesculap-Meditec 193-nanometer argon-fluoride excimer laser, we treated 74 eyes of 73 individuals, who suffered from posttraumatic, therapy-resistant, recurrent corneal epithelial erosions. We used the excimer laser in spot-mode under manual guidance. Only in those eyes where the erosion was covered with loose bullous epithelium did we remove the epithelium mechanically prior to surgery. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 4 years. RESULTS: Of the 74 eyes, 55 (74.43%) eyes were recurrence-free. One eye developed superficial haze in the treated area. No other complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Phototherapeutic keratectomy in recurrent epithelial erosions is a promising treatment, especially in recalcitrant cases with the erosion over the entrance pupil. Photoablation allows a fast reepithelialization of the affected area and quick relief for painful symptoms.
BACKGROUND: Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy has generated considerable interest in treating superficial corneal and scleral pathology. The excimer laser is also used to treat recurrent corneal epithelial erosions. METHODS: With the MEL 50 Aesculap-Meditec 193-nanometer argon-fluoride excimer laser, we treated 74 eyes of 73 individuals, who suffered from posttraumatic, therapy-resistant, recurrent corneal epithelial erosions. We used the excimer laser in spot-mode under manual guidance. Only in those eyes where the erosion was covered with loose bullous epithelium did we remove the epithelium mechanically prior to surgery. The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 4 years. RESULTS: Of the 74 eyes, 55 (74.43%) eyes were recurrence-free. One eye developed superficial haze in the treated area. No other complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Phototherapeutic keratectomy in recurrent epithelial erosions is a promising treatment, especially in recalcitrant cases with the erosion over the entrance pupil. Photoablation allows a fast reepithelialization of the affected area and quick relief for painful symptoms.
Authors: Ravinder P Singh; Dev Raj; Anupama Pherwani; Ruby Lagnado; Asiya Abedin; Habibullah Eatamadi; Manu Mathew; Harminder S Dua Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 2007-02-14 Impact factor: 4.638