Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate the efficacy of the Transepithelial Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (TE-PTK) treatment before cataract extraction and IOL implantation performed on patients with superficial corneal disease.
Methods: :
24 eyes of 20 patients (12M, 8F; mean age: 63.58yrs ± 15.34SD)with superficial corneal opacities of varying aetiology (post herpetic leukoma, post-traumatic leukoma, band keratopathy, post-PRK haze) and cataract, underwent to trans epithelial PTK followed by cataract extraction and IOL implantation. The TE-PTK (mean deepness of 84 µm ± 25SD) was performed with a Bausch & Lomb 271C excimer laser with a wide ablation zone of 7 mm, followed by a +1 to +2sph PRK. The cataract surgery was performed, at least six months after PTK, with a phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in the capsular bag. IOL power was calculated with a SRKII formula, basing on the values of post excimer ablation corneal curvature.
Results: :
At one year follow-up, 20 (83.3%) of 24 eyes had a final spherical equivalent refraction within ± 1D. Five eyes developed light to moderate subepithelial reticular corneal haze. No vision-threatening intra and postoperative complications occurred.
Conclusions: :
Excimer laser PTK followed by cataract extraction and posterior chamber IOL implantation can safely and effectively treat eyes with superficial corneal disease and age-related cataract. IOL power calculation after the cornea has healed (at least six months after TE-PTK) compensates the post PTK changes in corneal curvature.
Keywords: refractive surgery: optical quality • treatment outcomes of cataract surgery • laser