Phototherapeutic keratectomy for corneal scars.
OBJECTIVE
Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is an effective method of treating a variety of corneal disorders. We report our experience in using PRK to treat corneal scars.


METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the data from a cohort of 22 eyes with corneal scars. The etiology of the scar was recorded for each patient. The change in best corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent, and astigmatism were evaluated at one and three months after surgery.


RESULTS
At three months, seven of 18 eyes (39%) had improved 2 or more lines of best corrected visual acuity and 3 eyes (16%) had lost 2 or more lines. Eleven of 18 eyes (61%) had a hyperopic shift of more than 1.00 diopter (D) and eight of 18 eyes (44%) had a hyperopic shift of more than 2.00 D. There was a mean reduction in astigmatism of 0.67 +/- 4.00 D. Four of eight eyes with traumatic scars had significant improvement as compared to none of five eyes with infectious scars.


CONCLUSIONS
PTK is a relatively safe and effective means of treating corneal scars and thereby may offer an alternative to corneal transplantation.
Migden
M
M
University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, USA.
Elkins
B S
BS
Clinch
T E
TE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001424:Bacterial Infections; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014792:Visual Acuity