Phototherapeutic keratectomy in the treatment of corneal granular dystrophy Groenouw I

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.