Excimer Laser Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for Corneal Opacities and Recurrent Erosion

BACKGROUND: Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) has been used to treat superficial corneal opacities, as well as the recurrent corneal erosion syndrome. METHODS: We performed PTK 6 eyes of 6 patients to treat corneal opacities, and in one eye of another patient to treat recurrent corneal erosion syndrome. Opacities were caused by a healed corneal ulcer, herpetic keratitis, band keratopathy, corneal burn, corneal dystrophy, and an excised pterygium. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 6 months. RESULTS: Corneal clarity improved to variable degrees in all eyes with corneal opacities. There was no recurrence in the Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome. A hyperopic shift was observed in 2 eyes. CONCLUSIONS: PTK appears to be an effective alternative to penetrating keratoplasty in patients with selected anterior stromal opacities can treat the Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome.