Ablation Depth-Dependent Survival Analysis of Phototherapeutic Keratectomy for Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome

Abstract Introduction Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a treatment for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES). The aim of this study was to investigate whether deeper ablations yielded greater success rates. Methods Retrospective case notes review with prospective patient-reported outcome me...

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Main Authors: Kunal A. Gadhvi, Georgios Vakros, Alfredo Borgia, Kirithika Muthusamy, Laura de Benito-Llopis, Alexander C. Day, Daniel M. Gore
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Adis, Springer Healthcare 2024-11-01
Series:Ophthalmology and Therapy
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-024-01070-2
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Summary:Abstract Introduction Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is a treatment for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCES). The aim of this study was to investigate whether deeper ablations yielded greater success rates. Methods Retrospective case notes review with prospective patient-reported outcome measures for all patients who had undergone PTK for RCES at a single tertiary referral unit. Patients received treatment with the Schwind Amaris® 750 s excimer laser. The primary outcome measure was recurrence-free survival of patients with ablation depth ≥ 15 µm compared to < 15 µm. Results Seventy eyes of 63 patients were included for analysis, of whom 39 (56%) had preceding trauma and 20 (29%) had epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD), with the remaining 11 (15%) of unknown aetiology. Twenty eyes (29%) received an ablation ≥ 15 µm (mean ablation depth 16.85 ± 3.4 µm) and 50 (71%) received < 15 µm (mean ablation depth 9.26 ± 1.5 µm). Overall, 65 eyes (93%) reported a subjective improvement in symptoms, with 46 (66%) remaining completely symptom free at the last follow-up [mean follow-up 24 (range, 9–48) months]. Eighty-five per cent of eyes in the ≥ 15 µm group remained symptom free compared to 58% of those with < 15 µm (p = 0.036). Conclusion PTK is an effective treatment for RCES, with deeper ablations yielding longer symptom-free survival.
ISSN:2193-8245
2193-6528