Phototherapeutic keratectomy for map-dot-fingerprint corneal dystrophy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Laser Vision Correction

Background:

• Map-dot-fingerprint (MDF) dystrophy is a common anterior corneal dystrophy.
• Symptoms include reduced visual acuity, fluctuating vision, and recurrent corneal erosions.
• Surgical options are limited, necessitating evaluation of new treatment modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for treating MDF dystrophies.
• To assess visual acuity improvement and symptom resolution after PTK.
• To determine the long-term stability and potential adverse effects of PTK in MDF dystrophy.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 30 eyes from 24 patients with MDF dystrophy underwent PTK.
• Treatment aimed to improve vision, heal recurrent erosions, or both.
• Follow-up averaged 30 months, with assessments of visual acuity, refraction, and corneal changes.

Main Results:

• Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved by two lines or more in 14 of 17 eyes with reduced vision.
• Fluctuating vision and monocular diplopia resolved in all treated eyes.
• No recurrence of dystrophy in the ablation zone was observed; 50% had asymptomatic changes outside the treatment zone.

Conclusions:

• Excimer laser PTK is an effective, safe, and stable treatment for MDF dystrophy.
• PTK successfully improves visual acuity and resolves associated symptoms.
• Hyperopic shift is a potential adverse effect in some cases.