Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Mushroom Shape Demarcation Line Profile After Limited Bowman’s Membrane Removal by Phototherapeutic Keratectomy

Abstract

PURPOSE: To report a corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) mushroom shape demarcation line profile after limited Bowman's membrane removal by phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A twenty-one-year-old male with progressive keratoconus underwent mechanical epithelial debridement (at an 8.5 mm zone) followed by PTK (at a 5.0 mm zone and in a 10 mum depth) and CXL. No intra- or early postoperative complications were found. Evaluation of the corneal stromal demarcation line depth using anterior segment optical coherence tomography revealed a mushroom shape profile. CONCLUSION: It seems that removal of the Bowman's layer leads to greater depth of the corneal stromal demarcation line.