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Br J Ophthalmol 1993;77:702-708 doi:10.1136/bjo.77.11.702
  • Research Article

Treatment of band keratopathy by excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy: surgical techniques and long term follow up.

  1. D P O'Brart,
  2. D S Gartry,
  3. C P Lohmann,
  4. A L Patmore,
  5. M G Kerr Muir and
  6. J Marshall
  1. Department of Ophthalmology, St Thomas's Hospital, London.

      Abstract

      A series of 122 eyes with band keratopathy was treated by excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), with a mean follow up of over 12.3 months (range 3 to 60 months). A single photoablation zone was used to remove the opacity over the visual axis in smooth surfaced band deposition. In eyes with reduced vision, an improvement was reported in 88% and in a series of 66 eyes mean Snellen visual acuity increased significantly (p < 0.05, t = 2.27). A reduction in glare was reported in 88% and in a series of 17 patients, visual contrast sensitivity (p < 0.01) and measurements of disability glare (p < 0.01) improved postoperatively. The mean hyperopic shift in 32 eyes at 6 months was 1.4 D (range 0-4.25 D). Multiple overlapping ablation zones, with mechanical debulking of large calcium plaques, were used to smooth the irregular corneal surface in eyes with rough bands. Ocular discomfort was improved in 95%. Band keratopathy recurred in nine eyes (8%) within 2 to 30 months (mean 12 months) of surgery, with silicone oil responsible in five eyes. Reablation was necessary in three eyes and performed successfully in all cases. Excimer laser PTK is a safe and effective outpatient treatment for band keratopathy.

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