title: Combined Excimer Laser Photoablation and Amniotic Membrane Overlay for Relief of Symptomatic Discomfort in Gelatinous Drop-like Corneal Dystrophy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the efficacy of combined excimer laser photoablation and amniotic overlay membrane in the relief of symptomatic discomfort in a 17-year-old patient who had gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured with Snellen letters. Slit-lamp examination of the ocular surface and anterior chamber was performed at baseline. Results were photodocumented. Excimer laser photoablation was performed and subsequently 2 amniotic membranes were transconjunctivally fixated with 10.0 nylon sutures. Investigations and documentation were performed at baseline, every 2 months in the first year, and then every 6 months. The duration of follow-up was 22 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At baseline, the BCVA was 20/70 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye. The patient reported distinct photophobia. Slit-lamp examination was difficult because of blepharospasm. Although gelatinous drops developed again and the BCVA decreased to 2/200, the patient reported significant relief after both microsurgical treatments and remained comfortable at 20 and 22 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Excimer laser photocoagulation combined with amniotic membrane overlay does not stop the development of gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy but may improve subjective comfort. Such treatment does not hinder subsequent lamellar or penetrating grafts and is helpful in providing the necessary time for preparation of matched keratoplasties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Anne F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Alex
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Eter
authors.forename: Constantin E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Uhlig
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000650:Amnion / Q000637:transplantation*; D028226:Amyloidosis, Familial / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001764:Blepharospasm / Q000503:physiopathology; D003317:Corneal Dystrophies, Hereditary / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D054018:Lasers, Excimer / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology