Abstract
Aim: To present the outcomes of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) to treat recurrent corneal erosion.

Methods: This case series evaluated eyes that had undergone PTK for recurrent corneal erosion at an eye center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected on preoperative and postoperative vision, cause of corneal erosion, treatment zone of the laser, recurrence of the erosion and pain postoperatively and the number of successful cases postoperatively. Treatment success was defined as epithelial healing for at least 6 months postoperatively. The factors associated to success were analyzed.

Results: The study sample was comprised of 11 eyes of 11 (6 males; median age 33 years) patients with recurrent erosion. Trauma (5 eyes), pterygium excision (1 eye), Salzmann nodule (1 eye) and leucoma (1 eye) were the main causes of recurrent erosion. Postoperatively, 10 (91%) eyes achieved success. The median duration of follow up was 23 months (25% quartile, 17 months). After management, one eye had mild pain. One case had induced astigmatism greater than 1D.

Conclusion: PTK was an effective modality for treating recurrent corneal erosion due to varying underlying aetiology. The outcomes in the Arab population were similar to published studies of other populations.

Key words: Recurrent corneal erosion; phototherapeutic keratectomy; cornea