Phototherapeutic keratectomy for relief of pain in patients with pseudophakic corneal edema

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of phototherapeutic keratectomy in patients with pseudophakic corneal edema

Methods: Phototherapeutic keratectomy was performed in 12 eyes of 12 patients with pseudophakic corneal edema who were awaiting penetrating keratoplasty. All patients underwent planned corneal ablation of 120 microm. Examinations before and after surgery included uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, photography, and ultrasonic pachymetry.

Methods: A reduction in pain and a slight increase in visual acuity as well as a decrease in corneal thickness were found over an average 18-month follow-up period (range, 6 to 60 months).

Conclusions: Phototherapeutic keratectomy reduced bullae formation, improved visual acuity slightly, and could be considered a valuable alternative to penetrating keratoplasty if surgery needs to be delayed or is contraindicated.