Corneal iron line associated with steep central islands after photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE: To report a new corneal iron deposit after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: Two patients with symptomatic persistent steep central islands were noted to have a corneal iron ring at 6 months to 1 year after surgery. This is different from the central iron spot noted in most patients at 1 year. RESULTS: One patient had repeated PRK with improvement of his symptoms and resolution of the iron ring. CONCLUSIONS: A corneal iron ring after excimer laser PRK suggests the presence of a persistent steep central island of stromal origin. Since corneal iron deposition signifies chronicity, symptomatic patients should be retreated as resolution of the steep central island is not likely to occur.