Patient Procedures at Empire Eye Physicians

Superficial Keratectomy

A superficial keratectomy procedure can help to remove and smooth the corneal surface.

Initial treatment for an anterior disease of the cornea, like lubrication and other medications, is focused on minimizing symptoms. If conservative measures do not work, surgical options can be considered.

The superficial keratectomy procedure can be performed in the office or in an outpatient surgery center. After the eye surface is numb, the surgeon scrapes away the epithelial cells, which are the front layer of surface cells, exposing the underlying scar tissue or corneal deposit. Most procedures involve a combination of manual and mechanical techniques. The manual smoothing is performed with a blunt, hand-held instrument, allowing precise control over the tissue being removed. The mechanical technique involves a burr instrument that finely and evenly smooths the corneal surface. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye to protect the healing cells and minimize postoperative discomfort. Eye drops are applied regularly, and the healing time is generally 6-8 weeks.

Procedure Benefits

  • Improves vision
  • Minor procedure
  • Quick healing process

Treated by Superficial Keratectomy

Diseases that are commonly treated by a superficial keratectomy include:

  • Anterior basement membrane dystrophy (map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy) is a hereditary genetic abnormality of the epithelium and basement membrane that leads to scar tissue deposition.
  • Salzmann’s nodular degeneration, a callous-like scar tissue that forms under the epithelium of the cornea, commonly occurring in areas of corneal inflammation prior to infection.
  • Calcific band keratopathy, deposition of calcium in the anterior cornea due to corneal disease, intraocular disease, or a hereditary predisposition.
  • Other anterior opacities not involving deeper layers of the cornea.
Skip to content