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Superficial keratectomy

AI overview

Superficial keratectomy is an ophthalmic surgical procedure that takes place on the surface of the cornea to remove irregularities or scars.

Key points
  • SK involves removing the epithelial layer of the cornea leaving the bowman's membrane undisturbed.
    source quote
    SK involves removing the epithelial layer of the cornea leaving the bowman's membrane undisturbed.
  • It is often performed prior to cataract surgery if evaluation of the patient reveals scarring.
    source quote
    It is often performed prior to cataract surgery if evaluation of the patient reveals scarring.
Symptoms
  • Conditions that may require SK include Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy, Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome, Salzmann's Nodular degeneration, Band Keratopathy, and superficial corneal scar.
    source quote
    Common conditions that require SK Preparatory to some types of Cataract surgery [ 3 ] Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome [ 4 ] Salzmann's Nodular degeneration [ 5 ] (corneal superficial nodules) Removal of Band Keratopathy [ 6 ] (Calcium Deposits) Superficial corneal scar
Diagnosis
  • Superficial keratectomy may be performed to improve diagnostic accuracy prior to intraocular procedures.
    source quote
    superficial keratectomy may also be performed to clear the visual axis or improve diagnostic accuracy prior to intraocular procedures, such as cataract surgery.
Treatment
  • The bowman's layer is often polished and smoothed with a diamond tip burr or laser to encourage anchoring of the new epithelium.
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    Often, the bowman's layer is polished and smoothed with a diamond tip burr or laser which encourages anchoring of the new epithelium as it grows back.
  • Doctors may use the antibiotic Mitomycin or an amniotic membrane transplant to improve surgical outcomes.
    source quote
    Many doctors will use the antibiotic Mitomycin or an amniotic membrane transplant to improve surgical outcomes.
Red flags
  • Complications can include infection of the cornea, corneal haze, delayed or failed epithelial healing, and corneal erosion.
    source quote
    infection of the cornea corneal haze delayed or failed epithelial healing corneal erosion
Prognosis

Considered a low risk procedure.

AI-synthesized from the Wikipedia article “Superficial keratectomy”. Not medical advice. Verify source →

Superficial keratectomy (SK), also known as "Super K" or "corneal epithelial debridement", is an ophthalmic surgical procedure takes place on the surface of the cornea to remove irregularities or scars.[1]

SK involves removing the epithelial layer of the cornea leaving the bowman's membrane undisturbed. Often, the bowman's layer is polished and smoothed with a diamond tip burr or laser which encourages anchoring of the new epithelium as it grows back.[2] Many doctors will use the antibiotic Mitomycin or an to improve surgical outcomes.[1]

It is often performed prior to cataract surgery if evaluation of the patient reveals scarring. While indicated for primary corneal surface pathologies, superficial keratectomy may also be performed to clear the visual axis or improve diagnostic accuracy prior to intraocular procedures, such as cataract surgery.

The diagram shows all parts of the eye, with a detailed view of the cornea and its layers.

Components of the cornea


There are a few risks to consider before performing or receiving SK. Although SK is considered a low risk procedure, some patients will experience complications such as:[1]

  • infection of the cornea
  • corneal haze
  • delayed or failed epithelial healing
  • corneal erosion

  1. 1 2 3 Salari, Farhad; Beikmarzehei, Alireza; Liu, George; Zarei-Ghanavati, Mehran; Liu, Christopher (2022-07-06). "Superficial Keratectomy: A Review of Literature". Frontiers in Medicine. 9. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.915284. ISSN 2296-858X. PMC 9299356.
  2. ↑ Bae, Steven S.; Chan, Clara C. (December 2018). "Superficial keratectomy: indications and outcomes". Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. Journal Canadien d'Ophtalmologie. 53 (6): 553–559. doi:10.1016/j.jcjo.2018.01.030. ISSN 1715-3360. PMID 30502977.
  3. ↑ Bae, K. H.; Chan, E. (2019). "Superficial keratectomy: indications and outcomes". Eye. 33 (6): 967–973. doi:10.1038/s41433-018-0284-y. PMID 30502977.
  4. ↑ Lin, Shawn Rong; Aldave, Anthony J.; Chodosh, James (September 2019). "Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome". The British Journal of Ophthalmology. 103 (9): 1204–1208. doi:10.1136/bjophthalmol-2019-313835. ISSN 1468-2079. PMID 30760455.
  5. ↑ "Superficial keratectomy for Salzmann's nodular degeneration: techniques and pointers". American Academy of Ophthalmology. 2013-10-18. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
  6. ↑ Jhanji, Vishal; Rapuano, Christopher J.; Vajpayee, Rasik B. (July 2011). "Corneal calcific band keratopathy". Current Opinion in Ophthalmology. 22 (4): 283–289. doi:10.1097/ICU.0b013e3283477d36. ISSN 1531-7021. PMID 21537183.