Corneal scarring after photorefractive keratectomy in a penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To report severe scarring in a corneal graft after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.

METHODS

A 35-year-old man underwent photorefractive keratectomy twice for severe compound myopic astigmatism and anisometropia after penetrating keratoplasty.

RESULTS

Corneal opacity corresponded to areas of irregular epithelial thickness, focal absence of the basement membrane, loss of Bowman's layer, and stromal scarring in the ablation zone.

CONCLUSION

There may be an increased risk of severe corneal stromal scarring from photorefractive keratectomy in eyes that have had previous penetrating keratoplasty.