A retrospective audit of phototherapeutic keratectomy in the management of recurrent current erosions syndrome
Session Details
Session Title: Presented Poster Session: Cornea III
Venue: Poster Village: Pod 2
First Author: : D.Bassey-Duke UK
Co Author(s): : P. Jaycock
Abstract Details
Purpose:
Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES) is characterised by pain, watering, photophobia and blurred vision, often occurring in the morning on waking. Symptoms occur as a result of the repeated breakdown of the corneal epithelium. Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is used to treat recurrent corneal erosion syndrome in patients who have previously failed conservative management with ocular lubricants and bandage contact lenses. The primary aim of this retrospective audit was to determine the safety and efficacy of phototherapeutic keratectomy in treating RCES in our cohort of patients.
Setting:
Bristol Eye Hospital, United Kingdom
Methods:
Over a 30 month period (March 2013 to September 2015), 29 PTK procedures were performed on 25 patients with symptoms of RCES, secondary to traumatic injury or corneal dystrophy. All patients had previously failed conservative management with ocular lubricants and were treated by surgeon (PDJ) using a Schwind Amaris 750S excimer laser. After manual corneal epithelial debridement of the affected epithelium a 8.00 mm optical zone, 7 microns depth excimer laser ablation was used. All patients were then prescribed topical Levofloxacin, Dexamethasone 0.1% and Hylo-tears (four times daily for 4 weeks) after the procedure.
Results:
22 patients attended 6 month follow-up. The mean age of patients was 49 years (range 26 to 76). 13 of the attendees were female and 9 were male. RCES was secondary to traumatic injury in 36% and as a result of corneal dystrophies in remaining 72% of attendees. Subjective improvement in symptoms was reported in 19/22 patients (86%), with no patients reporting a worsening of symptoms following surgery. 19/20 (95%) had stable or improved visual acuity. There were no further complications.
Conclusions:
Phototherapeutic keratectomy is a safe and effective treatment for patients with symptoms of RCES secondary to trauma and corneal dystrophy, who have failed on conservative management with ocular lubricants. The outcomes from the Bristol Eye Hospital cohort of patients were consistent with published standards (74-91%). No patients reported worsening of their symptoms.
Financial Disclosure:
NONE
