Superficial lamellar keratectomy using an automated microkeratome to excise corneal scarring caused by photorefractive keratectomy

Corneal haze is a recognized complication of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy. When severe, it can result in the formation of a dense corneal scar, with a reduction in best corrected visual acuity. In extreme cases, medical treatment and repeated phototherapeutic excimer ablations may fail to restore corneal transparency. In these patients, penetrating keratoplast y (PKP) has been used to restore visual function. We describe a technique f or excising a superficial corneal scar using an automated microkeratome. Th e resultant corneal surface is quite smooth, and good visual acuity may be restored without resorting to PKP. (C) 1999 ASCRS and ESCRS.