Superficial epithelial keratectomy

Up to 95% of patients with symptomatic RCEs experience some improvement in symptoms with the use of medical therapy. If the patient experiences more than one erosion per month despite medical therapy, invasive treatment is indicated. These treatment options include anterior corneal stromal puncture with a needle or an Nd YAG laser, PTK, and superficial epithelial keratectomy. 

Superficial epithelial keratectomy with a variable-speed diamond burr or Amoils epithelial scrubber has also been shown to be safe and effective in treating larger erosion areas and areas that affect the visual axis. No significant difference was found in corneal haze, recurrence of erosions, or best-corrected visual acuity in patients treated with superficial epithelial keratectomy with diamond burr polishing and patients undergoing PTK. Both treatment options are safe and effective. However, treatment with a diamond burr is simpler and less expensive. 

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