Successful Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for Recurrent Erosions in Bullous Keratopathy

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The treatment of patients with recurrent erosions due to bullous keratopathy is disappointing in cases when penetrating keratoplasty cannot be performed. A trial has been made to prevent recurrent erosions through the smoothing of the cornea with the excimer laser. METHODS: Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) was performed after removal of the epithelium. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (17 eyes) with recurrent erosions due to bullous keratopathy were treated. The mean follow-up period was 17.2 months (range: 3 to 32 months). All patients responded well to the treatment; their pain subsided after a few weeks. In four cases, a second treatment was necessary because areas with loose epithelium remained, which resulted in recurrent erosions. No complications have been seen so far. CONCLUSION: Excimer laser PTK is an effective, easy to perform treatment of bullous keratopathy. [J Refract Surg. 1996;12:S290-S292.]