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Chapter-072 Superficial Keratectomy and Epithelial Debridement

BOOK TITLE: Copeland and Afshari's Principles and Practice of Cornea (2 Volumes)

Author
1. Procope Julian A
ISBN
9789350901724
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/11777_72
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2013
Pages
5
Author Affiliations
1. Horizon Eye Care Group, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
Chapter keywords
Superficial keratectomy, epithelial debridement, recurrent corneal erosions, corneal epithelium, corneal injury, epiphora, bandage soft contact lens, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, phototherapeutic keratectomy, topical antibiotics

Abstract

In earlier centuries simple debridement of loosely adherent epithelium was used for the treatment of recurrent corneal erosions but with technology advancement superficial keratectomy developed as a more aggressive and efficacious technique. The most common cause of recurrent corneal erosions is minor trauma or abrasion of the corneal epithelium that usually occurs as a result of a shallow corneal injury by a fingernail. The signs and symptoms of recurrent erosions include pain, foreign body sensation, epiphora and photosensitivity. Most spontaneous epithelial erosion attacks are treated with either patching or bandage soft contact lens along with topical antibiotics and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. But for patients with recurring erosions, surgical intervention in the form of superficial keratectomy, anterior stromal micropuncture or phototherapeutic keratectomy is indicated. This chapter discusses in detail about the techniques, instrumentation and complications of superficial keratectomy.

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