Diagnosed with ABMD, scheduled for a superficial keratectomy

[Steve of SF]

I would love to hear from you all about your experiences with superfiecial keratectomy. How was the procedure, and how is your eye now, months or perhaps years afterwards?

I had several painful episodes that felt as if I had some foreign object in my eye, only to find that I had an infection and a scratched cornea which were treated with antibiotics. After several emergency room visits, I was referred to a cornea specialist who gave me the diagnosis of ABMD.

This most recent episode was only several months after the previous one, so my doctor has recommended a superficial keratectomy. I'm a little bit apprehensive. Sounds painful, and the success rate is 66 2/3%. What if I'm among the 33 1/3%?

Steve

[EMZ57]

Steve,

I had a superficial keratectomy on November 9th. Procedure was no big deal as your eye is totally numb. Afterwards, pretty painful, but with prescribed pain
meds and using them as directed it wasn't too bad. Don't plan on being able to do much. The patch that I had on my eye prevented me from putting on my
glasses anyways, so basically I just slept and listened to an audio book. After the first 48 hours it wasn't too bad.

The reason I had the SK is because of recurrent corneal erosions. The procedure was recommended last year, but I put it off thinking I could get the RCEs under
control with proper care and vigilance. Unfortunately, what led me to have this procedure was the worst erosion ever. Very painful and had to get compound
antibiotic eyedrops and ended up with some scarring. luckily not in a place that affects vision. Anyways, this was what pushed me to get it done.

I am unable to tell you if it was successful or not because I am still healing and don't have my vision totally back. I can tell you that I have not had any erosions
and I am hoping it stays this way. My dr. tells me I am doing well and am right on track. I have had two post procedure appts. and now do not have to go back until
Feb, 2012 unless I have an erosion or anything else unusual with that eye.

Don't know if that helps, but feel free to ask any other questions you may have. I also was very apprehensive, but so far so good.

Good Luck!