Phototherapeutic Keratectomy In Recurrent Corneal Erosions: 2-Years Follow-Up

To evaluate the outcomes of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in patients with recurrent corneal erosions during a follow-up period of 2 years.

Hospital Garcia de Orta

Patients with a history of 3 or more episodes of corneal erosion within 1 year were included. PTK settings were programmed for 12um ablation after manual epithelial debridement. Best corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), refractive error, keratometric indices, mean epithelial thickness (ET) and number of erosion episodes after PTK were evaluated. A satisfaction questionnaire was completed at the 2-years follow-up examination.

This study included 16 eyes of 16 patients. 10 eyes (62.5%) had epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) and 6 eyes were due to anterior trauma (37.5%). The BCVA (p=0.33) and UCVA (p=0.03) improved after surgery. The mean change in refractive error after surgery was +0.32 ± 0.24. Mean keratometry decreased after surgery (42.4 ± 3.9 D vs. 41.3 ± 3.6 D, p=0.42) with a mean decrease of 0.82 D. The mean ET decreased after surgery (52 ± 4.2um vs. 48.4 ± 4.4um, p<0.01). The mean number of erosion episodes over a 2-year period after PTK was 1.4 ± 1.3 (0 – 4), and no patient had more than one. There was no difference in the number of episodes in terms of etiology. All patients were extremely satisfied after surgery.

This study shows long-term efficacy and safety of PTK for recurrent corneal erosions. Both corrected and uncorrected visual acuity improved, refractive and keratometry indices did not change significantly and the number of erosion episodes decreased significantly. PTK significantly improved the quality of life.