Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is an established treatment for recurrent erosion syndrome. After PTK many patients experience significant pain and have a slow visual recovery. The aim of this study was to evaluate if modified PTK with an EpiLASIK epithelial flap is effective in the treatment of recurrent erosion syndrome and might be less painfull as a conventional PTK. Methods: 10 consecutive eyes of patients with a history of recurrent erosion (3 months to 3 years, mean 9.3 months; age range 25 to 56 years, mean 39 years) were included in the study. Similar to EpiLASIK, an epithelial flap with a nasal hinge was generated using a Keratome (EpiTome, Gebauer, Germany). Photoablation with an ablation depth of 25 µm was performed with a Wavelight Concept 500 Excimer Laser. After photoablation the epithelial flap was repositioned and secured with a soft bandage contact lens (Pure Vision, Bausch & Lomb, USA). 3 days after surgery the contact lens was removed. Results: During a follow–up time of 32 to 162 days (mean 83,3 days) no recurrent erosion was observed. Best corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) recovered to preoperative values within 14 days in all cases. Only 2/10 patients reported about a moderate postoperative pain. Conclusions: Modified PTK with an epithelial flap like in EpiLASIK is a save and effective procedure in the treatment of recurrent erosion syndrome. Our initial results indicate that this procedure might be superior compared to conventional PTK regarding wound healing time, postoperative pain and visual recovery.
Keywords: cornea: epithelium • refractive surgery: other technologies • cornea: clinical science