Lasering of lipid keratopathy

A series of 41 patients with varying types and degrees of lipid keratopathy was examined and then treated with the Argon laser. This was done primarily in an attempt to prevent extension of lipid keratopathy, but secondarily to see if any clearing of lipid would occur. The results were encouraging and although the visual acuity was not improved in the majority of patients, the symptoms were alleviated in a significant number. Iris atrophy was very common after treatment, although the incidence was lowered by the use of the Abraham contact lens. Two cases of severe corneal thinning were encountered 6 months after laser application, but both responded well to corneal grafting.