Do you have a corneal condition or injury that is causing poor vision and discomfort? You may be a good candidate for superficial keratectomy.

This quick outpatient procedure is effective at treating corneal defects and scarring. But how do you know if the procedure is right for you?

Keep reading to learn more about who makes a good candidate for superficial keratectomy.

What is Superficial Keratectomy?

Superficial keratectomy is a procedure that removes the cornea’s outer layer and aims to treat various corneal conditions. The anterior cornea, also called the epithelium, is the clear membrane that covers the surface of the eye.

If that membrane develops discolorations or irregularities, it can cause discomfort, vision changes, or vision loss. A superficial keratectomy removes the epithelium, which also removes any irregularities.

The epithelium regenerates as your eyes heal, giving you clearer, more comfortable vision after the procedure.

Why Would Someone Need a Superficial Keratectomy?

Superficial keratectomy is a treatment for conditions that affect the cornea. Your eye doctor may suggest superficial keratectomy if you have:

Corneal irregularities
Astigmatism
Chronic inflammation
Scarring
Anterior Basement Membrane Dystrophy (ABMD), a genetic condition that causes irregular thickening of the corneal tissue
Recurrent corneal erosion, a condition that causes epithelial detachment
Salzmann’s nodules, irregular bumps that develop on the cornea
Calcific band keratopathy, a condition that causes calcifications across the cornea

Superficial keratectomy reduces vision changes caused by these conditions, but it is not a vision-correcting procedure like LASIK or PRK. Those elective procedures reshape the portion of the cornea below the epithelium to correct common refractive errors.

Instead, superficial keratectomy removes irregularities present on the epithelium but does not reshape the cornea.

Who is a Good Candidate for Superficial Keratectomy?

You may be a good candidate for superficial keratectomy if you have a corneal condition or eye injury that hasn’t responded to less invasive treatments. However, the only way to determine your candidacy definitively is by attending a consultation with your eye doctor at Focal Point Vision.

They will conduct a thorough eye exam and review your medical history and symptoms to find out if a superficial keratectomy is the right procedure for you.

What to Expect During Superficial Keratectomy

Superficial keratectomy is an outpatient procedure performed in your eye doctor’s office. It only takes a few minutes, and you will be able to go home as soon as it’s done.

Your eye doctor will prepare your eyes by administering numbing drops so you don’t feel anything during the procedure. Once your eyes are ready, they will place a device over your eye to prevent blinking.

You will feel pressure, but the device will not hurt. Your eye doctor will then use specialized tools to smooth or remove the affected tissue from the surface of your eye.

They will make sure any residual scar tissue or other irregularities are removed. Once this is complete, your eye doctor will apply a bandage contact lens to protect your eye while it heals.

How Long is Superficial Keratectomy Recovery?

You will be able to go home right after superficial keratectomy, though you will need someone else to drive. Your vision may be blurry, and your eyes may feel sore or gritty.

You will need to keep the contact lens bandage in place for several days after the procedure. You will also need to use prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.

If you have eye discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain medicines like acetaminophen. However, be sure to check with your doctor before taking any medications.

Most patients experience improved vision within 2-4 weeks. Patients are typically able to return to most regular activities at this time.

However, individual recovery times can vary, and you will need to continue to restrict certain activities, such as:

Avoid rubbing or pressing on the affected eye for 1-2 months
Use recommended artificial tears as directed for at least 1 month
Do not go swimming or use a hot tub for at least 10 days
Avoid dusty or smoky environments for 1 week
Avoid eye makeup, skincare products with fragrances, and aftershave for 5 days
Do not use mascara for 2 weeks
Wear sunglasses for comfort as needed
Wear safety glasses in any environment where debris or objects may come near your eyes

You should call your eye doctor immediately if you have any signs of infection, such as vision changes, increased pain and redness, new or worsening swelling, or discharge from your eye.

After 6-8 weeks, your eyes should be fully healed, and your vision should be more comfortable and clear. It’s important to note that while uncommon, some conditions can recur after superficial keratectomy.

Your eye doctor may recommend repeating the procedure if that occurs. You may also need to explore other treatments, including corneal transplant.

Do you want to learn more about whether superficial keratectomy could be right for you? Schedule an appointment at Focal Point Vision in San Antonio, TX, today!