Posters

Clinical outcomes of manual superficial keratectomy in anterior corneal diseases

Poster Details

First Author: V.Joganathan UK

Co Author(s):    N. Gupta   A. Ramsay           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Manual superficial keratectomy (SK) is a widely used surgical technique for ocular surface disease in many UK eye units. We evaluate the outcome and effectiveness of superficial keratectomy in the management of anterior corneal diseases.

Setting:

A 10 year retrospective review of all patients who underwent SK for anterior corneal diseases at Bury St Edmunds Hospital, Suffolk, United Kingdom.

Methods:

Patients' notes were reviewed and indications for SK were assessed to determine whether for visual improvement or for ocular surface improvement. Patients were divided into a ‘Visual group' and ‘Non-Visual Group'. Further data was collected on age, race, cause of underlying disease, history of ocular trauma, Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) pre and post procedure, ocular comfort, recurrence of pathology and surgery related complications.

Results:

31 eyes (26 patients) underwent SK with mean review period of 22 months. In the visual group, there were 13 eyes of 10 patients and in the non-visual group 18 eyes of 16 patients. BCVA had remained stable or improved in 11 eyes (85%) in the visual group and in 15 eyes (83%) in the non-visual group. BCVA was found to be reduced in 2 eyes (15%) in the visual group and in 3 eyes (17%) in the non-visual group. Recurrence of ocular pain occurred in 7 eyes (39%) in the non-visual group and 1 eye (8%) in the visual group. Symptom control was achieved with lubricants and bandage contact lens in these eyes.

Conclusions:

Superficial keratectomy is an effective treatment for recalcitrant anterior corneal disease in our cohort of patients. This might be the primary and readily available treatment within the National Health Service in many public sector eye units in the United Kingdom, despite the steady evolution of laser therapy. FINANCIAL INTEREST: NONE