Phototherapeutic keratectomy for the treatment of hand keratopathy

Purpose: This retrospective study was designed to investigate the therapeut ic potential of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for the treatment of ban d keratopathy. Patients and methods: PTK was performed with the Excimed UV 200, (Summit Te chnology, Inc) on 27 eyes of 22 patients and with the Nidek EC5000 on 11 ey es of 10 patients with band keratopathy. Mean patient age was 57 years. The mean follow-up period was 19 months (ranged from 4 to 54 months). When pos sible, the change in best corrected visual acuity and spherical equivalent was evaluated at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Results: Almost 90% of patients with smooth bands achieved visual improveme nt and 85% of patients with rough bands improved ocular discomfort. The mea n hyperopic shift caused by tissue ablation was less than +2.0D after one y ear, for smooth bands. Conclusion: Excimer laser PTK is a safe and effective outpatient treatment and should be used as initial treatment for band keratopathy.