Topography-guided PRK-PTK to treat post-infective corneal scars

PURPOSE: To evaluate corneal transparency and visual acuity changes in patients with corneal scars due to infective keratitis (Acanthamoeba -Pseudomonas Aeruginosa- Herpes– Contact Lens Related Corneal Ulcers) treated with topography-guided PRK-PTK. These patients would traditionally be candidates for corneal grafts. METHODS: Five patients complaining of visual acuity reduction due to corneal scars were referred to our clinic for corneal transplants. Instead of corneal grafts, they were treated with topography-guided PRK-PTK (iRes™ – IVIS technologies laser system, LIGI – Italy using the principles of CIPTA TM - Corneal Interactive Programmed Topographic Ablation). Patients were followed-up for at least 12 months. RESULTS: In all cases we obtained an increase of corneal regularity with a reduction of corneal astigmatism leading to satisfactory improvement of visual acuity, such that corneal transplantation was not necessary. CONCLUSION: Topography-guided PRK-PTK represents an interesting conservative treatment to improve visual acuity in patients with corneal scars otherwise requiring a corneal graft.