Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy for recurrent corneal erosion

To evaluate the outcome of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for recurrent corneal erosion.

Laser Institute, Assay Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.

Twenty-three patients with a mean age of 50.56 years +/- 13.87 (SD) were referred between 1991 and 1995 for recurrent corneal erosion that did not respond to conservative treatment. All were treated by excimer laser PTK. Patients were interviewed and examined before and after treatment.

Disease duration ranged from 2 months to 10 years. Frequency of attacks ranged from weekly to three to four times a year. Re-epithelialization of the cornea was established within an average of 3 days after PTK treatment. Follow-up was 12 to 60 months (mean 38.43 +/- 12.08 months). Nineteen (83%) patients were free of recurrences, and 3 had one recurrence treated successfully by patching. One patient who had two recurrences had a second PTK procedure and was symptom free for 14 months. No patient reported reduced visual acuity or quality. Postoperative best corrected visual acuity was unaltered in 21 eyes and improved in 2. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative manifest refractions.

Excimer laser PRK appears to be a safe and effective treatment for recurrent erosions of the cornea.