Band keratopathy: A modified treatment

PURPOSE. The surgical treatment of band keratopathy usually consists of abrasion of the corneal epithelium followed by removal of the subepithelial calcium deposits by means of an ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution. In order to reduce the discomfort and pain that occur after corneal abrasion, the authors developed a modified technique that avoids the abrasion of the epithelium. METHODS. In three patients (four eyes) with long-standing band keratopathy, the epithelium was detached with a 19% ethanol solution and placed gently toward the limbus, a method also used in laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK). After clearing the anterior stroma with EDTA solution, the epithelial flap is unrolled and a bandage contact lens applied. RESULTS. Postoperative pain was greatly reduced and after removal of the contact lens no pain was reported. CONCLUSIONS. This modified epithelium-sparing treatment of band keratopathy shows good results while reducing postoperative pain. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2006; 16: 618-20)