A Clinical Experience of Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for Reis-Bucklers' Dystrophy

ABSTRACT

Reis-Bucklers' dystrophy is an autosomal dominant disorder involving Bowman's membrane. It usually appears as a recurrent corneal erosion in early childhood and is characterized by an irregular, semi-opaque accumulation of fibrous connective tissue in the area of Bowman's membrane and symmetrical progressive opacity of superficial central cornea. Eventually, it causes visual disturbance due to re-ticulated gray-white corneal opacity and corneal surface irregularity. The ophthalmic surgeons have met difficulties in the management of Reis-Bucklers' corneal dystrophy because of poor long-term results following conventional penetrating and lamellar keratoplasties. We experienced a case of Reis-Bucklers' dystrophy in 25 years old man which was confirmed by clinical and pathological evidences and successfully treated by excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy(PTK) with VISX 20/20 B(R). In conclusion, we would suggest that PTK could be another modality of management in this anterior corneal disease when surgical intervention is required.