Phototherapeutic LASEK for a persistent epithelial defect and a recurrent epithelial erosion.
OBJECTIVE
To present two patients, one with persistent epithelial defect and one with recurrent epithelial erosion, unresponsive to conventional therapy treated with phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with the laser subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) technique (phototherapeutic LASEK).


METHODS
The epithelial flap was created following 18% ethanol application for 20 seconds. A 10-microm deep ablation was performed in the central 7.0-mm zone. A contact lens was placed and the patient examined daily until epithelial closure. Upon epithelial closure, the contact lens was removed. A mild topical steroid and artificial tears were applied for 2 weeks.


RESULTS
The epithelium healed in 4 days in both patients. Patients reported only mild pain until epithelial closure. The manifest refraction and uncorrected visual acuity remained unchanged in both eyes. No haze was noted. The first patient has remained asymptomatic without any recurrence for 12 months, and the second for 9 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Phototherapeutic LASEK provides a therapeutic option for refractory recurrent erosions and persistent epithelial defects, with the additional benefit of being less painful and less risky for haze development than conventional PTK.
Hondur
Ahmet
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Gazi University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey. ahondur@yahoo.com
Bilgihan
Kamil
K
Hasanreisoglu
Berati
B
D000328:Adult; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D019573:Epithelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D049008:Keratectomy, Subepithelial, Laser-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014945:Wound Healing
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions