Visual and symptomatic outcome of excimer phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for corneal dystrophies.

Purpose: To determine the visual results and outcome of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for corneal dystrophies.

Methods: Twenty-nine eyes of 19 patients who underwent excimer PTK for recurrent erosions and reduced vision due to corneal dystrophies, between February 1996 and July 1999, were reviewed. Data regarding the preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), change in spherical equivalent (SE), depth of excimer laser ablation, symptomatic relief, and incidence of recurrence were analysed by a retrospective chart review.

Long-term outcome after corneal transplantation. Visual result and patient perception of success.

Snellen acuity, reading line, and keratometry were measured in a cohort of 60 patients at 2 or more years after penetrating keratoplasty was performed. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire to elicit information on their perceptions of visual function and the success of the procedure. Using preferred correction, a Snellen acuity of 6/18 or better was achieved by 65%, and a reading line of N8 or better was achieved by 57% of index grafts.

An unusual case of crystalline keratopathy.

A 48-year-old woman developed a crystalline stromal lesion four years after a penetrating corneal graft, with few signs of ocular inflammation. An initial diagnosis of fungal keratitis was made because of the appearance of the lesion. An excisional biopsy revealed the presence of Gram-positive cocci lying between the stromal lamellae in the posterior third of the cornea.