Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for the Treatment of Persistent Epithelial Defect

ABSTRACT

Persistent epithelial defect (PED) is an important ocular surface disorder. These defects can be frustrating chronic diseases as in the cases of inflammation, chemical burn, denervated cornea, tear deficiency and radiation keratitis. Therapeutic modalities that have been utilized in the treatment of PED included topical steroid, patching, bandage soft contact lenses, superficial keratectomy and anterior stromal puncture. We reported here the use of 193 nm excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for the treatment of indolent and persistent epithelial defect as the new Therapeutic device for PED. Twelve eyes diagnosed as PED were treated with Summit excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy. All cases were failed to cover the epithelium with therapeutic contact lenses. The laser treatments(diameter 1mm, depth 5micrometer) were delivered to sites surrounding the epithelial defect area for promoting of the epithelial ingrowth. All cases received PTK were covered with new epithelium in two or three days as shown by photorefractive keratectomy and remained completely healed through at least three months follow-up period. We found PTK with the 193 nm excimer laser to be a safe, effective treatment modeling for PED that is unresponsive to conventional therapy.