Removal of calcific band keratopathy without ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in eyes with limited visual potential

PURPOSE: Treatment of calcific band keratopathy (CBK) is commonly performed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), but EDTA has become more difficult to obtain. This paper describes a technique for treating CBK using a diamond-dusted burr without EDTA in eyes with limited visual potential. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this paper, we provide detailed instructions on how to perform the surgical technique for treating CBK, along with a surgical video. We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients with clinically significant CBK who underwent this procedure from December 2012 to July 2015. RESULTS: Seven eyes of six patients were included for analysis. Preoperatively, all patients suffered from ocular discomfort. All eyes had poor preoperative visual acuity due to non-corneal ocular disease. The most common causes of CBK in this series were retinopathy of prematurity (three eyes) and chronic uveitis (two eyes). Postoperatively, all patients reported partial or complete relief of discomfort. The length of follow-up ranged from 15 days to 31 months. Two eyes experienced recurrence of CBK. This occurred at 4 and 28 months after treatment. CONCLUSION: The diamond-dusted burr can easily and effectively remove the corneal epithelium and underlying calcium deposits. Therefore, it may be used to effectively treat discomfort from CBK.