[Reis-Buckler dystrophy: therapeutic photo-ablation with the excimer laser].

PURPOSE

Reis-Buckler's corneal dystrophy consist of superficial reticulated opacities with recurring attacks of corneal erosion. Lamellar and penetrating keratoplasties were the traditional surgical means of improving recurrent erosions and vision but the dystrophy recurs following surgery. Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is now the standard method of managing this anterior corneal disease when intervention is required.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have treated ten eyes with Reis-Buckler's dystrophy using Excimer laser PTK.

RESULTS

All of patients achieved visual improvement (preoperative corrected visual acuity: average 0.3 +/- 0.2 SD, postoperative at one month 0.6 +/- 0.3 SD and 0.7 +/- 0.2 SD at one year. The refractive shift changed from a spherical equivalent of -0.92 D to a postoperative refraction of +1.80 D at one month and +1.65 D at one year.