Successful phototherapeutic keratectomy for recurrent erosions in bullous keratopathy.

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.