Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy for shield ulcers and corneal plaques in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
BACKGROUND
Shield-shaped corneal ulcers and corneal plaques in vernal keratoconjunctivitis are associated with delayed epithelial healing, as well as the risks of infectious keratitis and sterile stromal ulceration. Significant visual impairment due to scarring and irregular astigmatism may result from central corneal lesions.


METHODS
Three eyes with central corneal lesions resulting from vernal keratoconjunctivitis were treated by excimer laser after active vernal keratoconjunctivitis was controlled and inflammatory plaque overlying the shield ulcers was removed.


RESULTS
All three eyes showed rapid reepithelialization within 1 week. Spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/30 or better was obtained in each eye.


CONCLUSIONS
In selected patients, excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of shield-shaped corneal ulcers and plaques in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
Cameron
J A
JA
Anterior Segment and External Disease Division, King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Antonios
S R
SR
Badr
I A
IA
D000293:Adolescent; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014945:Wound Healing
D004205:Cromolyn Sodium