Purpose : This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic potential
of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) far the treatment of corneal granular
dystrophy.
Patients and methods: PTK was performed with the Excimed UV 200, (Summit Te
chnology, Inc) on a series of 27 eyes of 22 patients with corneal granular
dystrophy. Mean patients' age was 34.6 years. The mean follow-up period was
31 months(ranged from 6 to 52 months). The changes in best corrected visua
l acuity and spherical equivalent were evaluated at 6, 12, 18 and24 months.
Results: All of patients achieved visual improvement. Mean preoperative bes
t corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/100 and mean postoperative BCVA was
20/30 at one year-the mean hyperopic shift caused by tissue ablation was /- 2,8 D after one year.
Conclusion : Corneal grafting was the standard treatment for visually disab
ling granular dystrophy, but PTK has significant advantages over this proce
dure and mud now be the standard method of managing corneal granular dystro
phy when intervention is required.