Purpose: To determine visual results and report side effects and complications after phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for BIGH3-linked corneal dystrophy recurring after penetrating keratoplasty.
Design: Retrospective noncomparative case series.
Participants: Forty-two excimer laser PTK procedures were performed in 42 eyes of 29 patients with BIGH3-linked corneal dystrophies. Genetic status of all patients was determined and allowed us to assess an unambiguous diagnosis. Preoperative diagnoses included LCDIIIA/A546T (1 eye), R124 l+DT125-DE126 (4 eyes), GICD/R555W (14 eyes), LCDI/R124C (6 eyes), SGD/R124 l (16 eyes), and CDBII/R555Q (1 eye).
Intervention: Two excimer lasers (Summit Excimed UV 200, Summit Technology, Waltham, MA and Nidek EC 5000, Nidek, Inc., Gamagori, Japan) were used to perform all PTKs. Indications for performing PTK after a graft were severe decrease of the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) related to recurrent corneal deposits and/or painful recurrent epithelial erosions.
Main outcome measures: Preoperative and postoperative BCVA were analyzed, significant recurrences after treatment were noted, and postoperative complications were recorded.
Results: Mean preoperative BCVA was 0.2 +/- 0.12 in the decimal chart, mean postoperative BCVA was 0.52 +/- 0.16 with a mean follow-up of 3.13 +/- 1.77 years (range, 0.3-6.65 years). Visual acuity was significantly improved after surgery (P < 0.05). The magnitude of the change in visual acuity was dependent on the mutation (P < 0.001). Seven symptomatic recurrences were observed. One regressive graft rejection and 4 cases of severe postoperative haze were observed. No other complications were noted.
Conclusions: PTK is a simple, safe, and efficient technique for the treatment of recurrent corneal dystrophies; in many cases it prevents or delays the major incumbent problems of repeated grafting.