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Phototherapeutic keratectomy for epithelial basement membrane dystrophy
Wen-Shin Lee1, Carson K Lam1, Edward E Manche1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|December 30, 2016
Summary
Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) effectively treats epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD), offering long-term relief from visual disturbances and painful erosions for most patients. Recurrence rates remain low, demonstrating sustained symptomatic improvement after successful PTK treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) can cause significant visual disturbances and discomfort.
- Conservative medical treatments often fail to provide lasting relief for EBMD symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for treating EBMD.
- To assess the durability of symptomatic relief following PTK in EBMD patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 58 eyes from 51 patients treated with PTK for EBMD.
- Analysis of preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), symptoms, and recurrence rates.
- Follow-up duration ranged from 3 to 170 months.
Main Results:
- PTK significantly improved CDVA for both visual disturbances and painful erosions.
- High initial response rates were observed: 86.7% for visual disturbances and 79.3% for erosions.
- Long-term recurrence was low, with estimated 5-year recurrence-free probabilities of 83.0% and 88.0% for visual disturbances and erosions, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Phototherapeutic keratectomy is a highly effective treatment for EBMD-related visual disturbances and painful erosions.
- Symptomatic relief achieved with PTK is generally maintained over extended follow-up periods.
- PTK offers a durable solution for patients with EBMD refractory to medical management.
