Band keratopathy: a modified treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The surgical treatment of band keratopathy usually consists of abrasion of the corneal epithelium followed by removal of the subepithelial calcium deposits by means of an ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution. In order to reduce the discomfort and pain that occur after corneal abrasion, the authors developed a modified technique that avoids the abrasion of the epithelium.


METHODS
In three patients (four eyes) with long-standing band keratopathy, the epithelium was detached with a 19% ethanol solution and placed gently toward the limbus, a method also used in laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK). After clearing the anterior stroma with EDTA solution, the epithelial flap is unrolled and a bandage contact lens applied.


RESULTS
Postoperative pain was greatly reduced and after removal of the contact lens no pain was reported.


CONCLUSIONS
This modified epithelium-sparing treatment of band keratopathy shows good results while reducing postoperative pain.
de Ortueta
D
D
Eye Centre Recklinghausen, Erbruch 34-46, 45657 Recklinghausen, Germany. Diego.de.Ortueta@augenzentrum.org
Schreyger
F
F
Baatz
H
H
D002114:Calcinosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002614:Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D004492:Edetic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures
D002614:Chelating Agents; D004492:Edetic Acid; D002118:Calcium