PHOTOTHERAPEUTIC KERATECTOMY FOR REIS BUCKLERS CORNEAL-DYSTROPHY

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