The influence of excimer laser ablation on recurrent corneal erosions: a prospective randomized study

Abstract

Purpose: We sought to evaluate the effect of excimer laser ablation on wound healing in patients with a history of recurrent corneal erosions.

Methods: In a prospective, randomized study, 56 patients were treated either with epithelial removal only (n = 28) or epithelial removal followed by excimer laser ablation (n = 28). Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Visual acuity, refraction, intraocular eye pressure, and patients' symptoms, as well as their degree. were recorded before and after treatment. A recurrent erosion was regarded as a treatment failure. A Summit ExciMed 200 was used for the ablation. The laser was set to a 5-microm ablation by using a 6.5-mm in diameter treatment.

Results: With regard to ocular symptoms and recurrence of corneal erosions, treatment with excimer laser after epithelial removal was significantly better (p < 0.005) than epithelial removal alone on the healing of recurrent corneal erosions. No complications and no change in visual acuity, refraction, or intraocular pressure occurred.

Conclusion: The use of excimer laser ablation after epithelial removal improved wound healing in patients with recurrent corneal erosions.