EBMD / SK question

[simonguest]

I had a corneal abrasion a couple of months ago - although the abrasion healed quickly, my vision remained still fairly poor (20/30 BCVA) and I was recently diagnosed with EBMD. My ophthalmologist and I have tried Muro ointment, drops, and corticosteroid drops over the past few weeks, but it doesn't seem to be making any difference. Fortunately, I don't have any painful RCEs.

After visiting a corneal specialist last week, he recommended SK / corneal scraping as a way of removing the dead cells and promoting regrowth of the epithelial layer. I would normally be fine with going ahead with the procedure, but I only have one good working eye (I was born with a lazy right eye with only 20/400 BCVA) so I'm naturally cautious about the procedure - especially as the other eye is "good enough" to get by with every day tasks and work.

Has anyone else had experience with SK? I'm interested in learning more about the recovery time (especially if the operated eye was your best functioning eye) as well as whether the SK did entirely remove the symptoms of EBMD (sensitivity to light, halos, blurred vision, etc.) and whether your eyesight came close to what it was prior.

Best,

Simon

[liz56]

Hi, Simon.

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but it is great news that you are not suffering from RCEs. Although you asked about experience with SK, I wanted to chime in as someone who also has EBMD and had RCEs for nine months (and had a very difficult time) but who did not get any kind of corneal scraping or stromal puncture done. In my case, the surface healed quickly but the deep, long-term healing took time. As it turned out, the RCEs did cause some scarring, which, along with EBMD, affects my vision a little in my left eye, but I am happy that I did not go for a more invasive procedure prematurely and let my eye heal as naturally as possible. I was on Dwelle for years after that ordeal, but now that it has run out at the DE Shop, I am using Muro 128 5% drops, and things are working out great for me.

That's just my story, but I thought I'd share it, especially since you are not suffering with RCEs and not feeling like this procedure is something that you must do immediately.

Best wishes,
Liz