Corneal epithelial dots following excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.

BACKGROUND

Map-dot-fingerprint epithelial changes of the cornea have been reported to occur as a consequence of trauma or surgical procedures, such as radial keratotomy.

METHODS

We describe a case of dot-like changes in the corneal epithelium following excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for the correction of myopia. Because the lesions were located centrally, possibly reducing visual acuity, the epithelium was removed mechanically.

RESULTS

Dot-like changes recurred in the same areas 4 weeks after epithelial debridement. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/200 to 20/100 and remained stable thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

Photorefractive keratectomy can lead to abnormal regeneration of epithelium basement membrane, possibly resulting in dot-like changes of corneal epithelium.