title: Phototherapeutic LASEK for a persistent epithelial defect and a recurrent epithelial erosion.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Gazi University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey. ahondur@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hondur
authors.forename: Kamil
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bilgihan
authors.forename: Berati
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hasanreisoglu
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions