Corneal scarring after photorefractive keratectomy in a penetrating keratoplasty

Abstract

Purpose: To report severe scarring in a corneal graft after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.

Methods: A 35-year-old man underwent photorefractive keratectomy twice for severe compound myopic astigmatism and anisometropia after penetrating keratoplasty.

Results: Corneal opacity corresponded to areas of irregular epithelial thickness, focal absence of the basement membrane, loss of Bowman's layer, and stromal scarring in the ablation zone.

Conclusion: There may be an increased risk of severe corneal stromal scarring from photorefractive keratectomy in eyes that have had previous penetrating keratoplasty.