Sclerotic scattering illumination during phototherapeutic keratectomy for better visualization of corneal opacities.
OBJECTIVE
To report on a simple method to obtain a better view of corneal opacities during excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK).


METHODS
An interventional case report.


METHODS
Phototherapeutic keratectomy was performed under sclerotic scattering illumination with a vitrectomy-endoilluminator at the limbus.


RESULTS
During conventional PTK with diffuse illumination, the intraoperative observations of corneal opacities are not as good as that with a slit lamp. Conversely, subtle corneal opacities can be easily seen with sclerotic scattering illumination even under a surgical microscope.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of sclerotic scattering illumination during PTK is valuable, because it provides a better view of opacified tissues and avoids excessive ablation.
Hayashi
Hitoshi
H
Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Medical School, Osaka, Japan. GSP07605@nifty.com
Maeda
Naoyuki
N
Ikeda
Yoshifumi
Y
Nishida
Koji
K
Watanabe
Hitoshi
H
Tano
Yasuo
Y
D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008027:Light; D008029:Lighting / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014792:Visual Acuity