Phototherapeutic keratectomy with excimer laser for Reis-Bückler's corneal dystrophy

Two patients with decreased visual acuity and recurrent epithelial erosions due to Reis-Bückler's corneal dystrophy underwent phototherapeutic keratectomy with the 193-nanometer excimer laser. Because the epithelial surface was relatively smooth prior to surgery, ablations were performed through an intact epithelium. Postoperatively, visual acuity was improved and symptoms of erosion decreased in both patients. Although no refractive shift was intended with the phototherapeutic procedure, both patients were hyperopic following surgery. Superficial keratectomy with the 193-nanometer excimer laser thus provides an alternative to conventional surgical keratectomy.