Diamond Burr Polishing of Bowman's Membrane

Indications

Certain abnormalities involving the front layer of the cornea can be treated with a diamond burr polishing procedure. Disorders such as recurrent corneal erosions and epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (also known as anterior basement membrane dystrophy and map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy) are often successfully managed with a diamond burr polishing procedure.

Procedure

Diamond burr polishing is performed in our office using anesthetic drops.The surface layer of the cornea is removed with a surgical sponge and blade. The diamond-dusted burr is then used to smooth the corneal surface. While the procedure is not painful, when the anesthetic drops wear off, there is moderate pain. Patients are treated with a bandage soft contact lens or pressure patching plus topical antibiotics. They are followed every few days until the epithelial defect (corneal scratch) heals. It is performed in the office using topical anesthesia.