Superficial & Phototherapeutic Keratectomy: removal of small corneal scars
When scar tissue forms on the surface of the cornea, it can be removed by a procedure called Superficial Keratectomy. In this procedure, the eye is numbed using eye drops. The corneal epithelial surface cells are first removed, and then scar tissue is peeled off the front of the cornea. The epithelial cells then heal over the wound, usually in about 5 to 7 days, just like the healing of a cut on the skin.
When the corneal scar tissue extends into the upper parts of the corneal stroma, or is very irregular in nature, the excimer laser can be used to sand down the scar in a procedure called Phototherapeutic Keratectomy. A similar process is involved as in Superficial Keratectomy, though the excimer laser removes the scar tissue rather than the surgeon manually dissecting it from the cornea.
