Efficacy of different excimer laser techniques in the management of recurrent corneal erosions.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of two excimer laser techniques for recurrent corneal erosions (RCEs).


METHODS
Of 100 patients with RCEs not responding to common treatments, 50 received transepithelial (group 1) and 50 received subepithelial (group 2) treatment of 20 pulses of a 193-nm excimer laser (170 J/cm(2)). Postoperative follow-up occurred at 4 and 52 weeks. Outcome measures were frequency of RCEs, haze formation, and refractive changes.


RESULTS
At first follow-up, 7 patients (14%) in each group displayed recurrence. At second follow-up, 12 patients in group 1 (24%) and 10 patients in group 2 (20%) had RCE. Follow-up recurrence risk was 6% to 27% in both groups at 4 weeks and 13% to 38% in group 1 and 10% to 34% in group 2 at 52 weeks. The spherical equivalent remained unaffected in group 1, but a statistically significant change was observed in group 2.


CONCLUSIONS
Excimer laser treatment (transepithelial and subepithelial) of RCEs can be performed successfully on the intact epithelium without adjunct therapy or pain. The transepithelial technique is a simple and relatively painless way to reduce the rate of RCE and is equivalent to the well-established subepithelial treatment.
Hütz
Werner W
WW
Augenklinik, Klinikum Bad Hersfeld, Bad Hersfeld, Germany. werner.huetz@klinikum-hef.de
Stachs
Oliver
O
Hengerer
Fritz
F
Eckhardt
Berthold
B
D000328:Adult; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D049008:Keratectomy, Subepithelial, Laser-Assisted / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult