Purpose: To describe a simple technique of diamond burr-assisted superficial keratectomy for the treatment of peripheral corneal edema.

Cases presentation: Two patients with persistent symptomatic peripheral corneal edema underwent superficial keratectomy with the use of a diamond ophthalmic burr. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated clinically as well as with anterior segment optical coherence tomography. During the postoperative follow-up period, no adverse events were observed and corneal edema reduced significantly. The patients were asymptomatic, no epithelial cysts could be identified clinically, and visual acuity remained unchanged.

Conclusion: Peripheral superficial keratectomy could be an effective alternative for the treatment of peripheral, symptomatic corneal edema.