The efficacy and safety of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for treatment of various corneal pathologies were determined. The preoperative indications included lattice dystrophies (10 eyes), Reis-Bücklers dystrophies (4 eyes), macular dystrophies (2 eye), and corneal scarring secondary to trauma (1 eye). Mean follow-up time was 9.9 months (range 6-18 months). Uncorrected visual acuity postoperatively improved in 15 eyes (88.2%); not improved in 1 eye (5.9%) and decreased in 1 eye (5.9%). Corneal clarity improved in 14 of 17 eyes (82.4%) which corresponded to the improvement of uncorrected visual acuity. Ocular discomfort improved in 16 eyes (94.1%), decreased in 1 eye (5.9%) which subsequently developed double vision. The complications included delayed reepithelialization (> 7 days) in 6 eyes (35.3%) and corneal scarring 1 eye (5.9%). Sixty four per cent had increased significant hyperopia (> 4 D) and 7.1 per cent had significant induced astigmatism (> 2 D). One eye (5.9%) needed retreatment due to remaining corneal opacity. One eye (5.9%) had double vision due to irregular astigmatism. Excimer laser PTK is effective and safe for treatment of various corneal pathologies. It thus appears to be an alternative to penetrating keratoplasty in some patients.