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[Phototherapeutic keratectomy as the primary option before perforating keratoplasty]
1Klinik für Ophthalmologie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel.
Background:
Argon fluoride excimer laser (193-nm) can perform precise corneal ablation with submicron accuracy and minimal reaction to the adjacent tissue. A possible application is anterior lamellar keratectomy to remove superficial corneal opacities and to smooth corneal irregularities.
Patients And Methods:
Between August 1993 and June 1994 we performed a phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in 35 patients with different corneal diseases by excimer laser (Aesculap-Meditec). 3 cases (2 corneal dystrophies and 1 patient with a traumatic corneal opacity after chemical burn) are described more exactly with operative methods and postoperative results.
Results:
By slitlamp microscopy we observed an improvement of the primary corneal disorder in all cases. Changing of refraction (hyperopic shift and newly formed astigmatism) arose in 2 out of 3 patients.
Conclusions:
Phototherapeutic keratectomy by excimer laser represents a secure, less invasive alternative to surgical methods promising quicker visual recovery. Often a penetrating keratoplasty can be avoided or delayed.