PHOTOTHERAPEUTIC KERATECTOMY FOR REIS BUCKLERS CORNEAL-DYSTROPHY

Superficial keratectomy, penetrating and lamellar keratoplasty have al l been advocated when intervention in Reis Bucklers' corneal dystrophy is necessary because of diminished visual acuity. In this study, 11 e yes were treated by phototherapeutic keratectomy with an excimer laser . Two eyes had previously been treated by penetrating keratoplasty. Th e visual acuity improved in all eyes, from an average of 6/60 to 6/9 w ith complete cessation of recurrent erosions. The technique was modifi ed, with experience, to minimise the hyperopic shift that occurs with this procedure. Phototherapeutic keratectomy has significant advantage s over other procedures and is now the procedure of choice once surger y is required in Reis Bucklers' dystrophy.