Abstract
Purpose: :
To report the results of excimer laser vision corredtion in three patients with limbal stem cell insufficiency.
Methods: :
We reviewed the charts of three patients with limbal stem cell insufficiency that underwent laser vision correction because of contact lens intolerance. UCVA and BCVA, slit lamp findings, and corneal topography before and after excimer laser vision correction, were recorded.
Results: :
All patients were female with an average age of 38.3 years (range:33–43 years). One patient had Salzmann's nodules and another had contact lens warpage. Preoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) ranged from 20/60 to 20/400 and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from 20/20 to 20/30. Three eyes underwent LASIK, two underwent LASEK and PTK/PRK was performed on the eye with Salzmann's nodule. Average postoperative follow–up was 10.4 months (4 months to 24 months). In five eyes, postoperative UCVA was the same as BCVA 20/20–20/25. In the sixth eye, a central stromal divot was discovered after epithelial debridement during the PRK/PTK. In this eye one month postoperatively, UCVA was 20/200 and BCVA was 20/25. Three months postoperatively, LASIK was performed with UCVA at 1 month of 20/25. Signs of limbal stem cell insufficiency had resolved in one patient by their two year follow–up visit.
Conclusions: :
Excimer laser vision correction is a successful refractive option and may be therapeutic for patients with limbal stem cell insufficiency.
Keywords: refractive surgery • cornea: clinical science • cornea: epithelium