Phototherapeutic keratectomy of a corneal scar due to presumed infection after photorefractive keratectomy.

This case involves a 25-year-old patient who suffered from corneal ulceration several days after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). A central scar developed, resulting in discomfort and reduction in visual acuity. Four months later, the scar was treated by phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) (25 microns depth, 5 mm ablation zone). Some scar tissue was left, but it cleared slowly and steadily over the next few years. The induced hyperopia decreased from 5.00 to 1.37 diopters spherical equivalent within 28 months postoperatively. Best corrected visual acuity increased from 20/60 preoperatively to 20/20 at 28 months postoperatively. Surgeons can encourage patients with postinfectious scars after PRK to try at least 1 PTK treatment.