Abstract

SO.19.05

Reduction of astigmatism by arcuate incisions using a femtosecond laser after PKP: 6-month follow-up

Laszlo Kiraly, Christian Meltendorf, Gernot I. W. Duncker
Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale

Objective
To examine the effectiveness of arcuate incisions using a femtosecond laser for the treatment of high astigmatism in corneal transplants.
Regular astigmatism can be treated by arcuate incisions in the steep meridian. However, the accuracy of manually performed arcuate incisions is limited because the cutting depth and the length of incisions vary. Therefore, we performed arcuate incisions using a femtosecond laser.
Methods
In this retrospective case series 11 eyes with a residual refractive error after keratoplasty underwent arcuate incisions using a femtosecond laser. Treated eyes had a mean subjective manifest spherical equivalent (SE) of -4.06±3.37 diopters (D), with a range of +1.50 to -9.00 D and a mean refractive astigmatism of -6.98±2.49 diopters (D), with a range of -4.00 to -13.00 D. Visual acuity testing, subjective refraction, slitlamp examination, corneal topography and optical coherence tomography were all performed preoperatively, then 3 and 6 months after surgery.
Results
At 6 month postoperatively best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in seven of eleven patients. BCVA of three patients did not change. One eye lost 1 line of uncorrected visual acuity The mean subjective manifest SE at 6 month was -4.09 ±3.12 D. The average corneal astigmatism was reduced by 3.42 D (p=0.011). The average refractive astigmatism was reduced by 4.11 D (p=0.001). No intraoperative or postoperative adverse events were seen during the follow-up period.
Conclusions
For correction of residual postoperative astigmatism following keratoplasty, arcuate incisions using a femtosecond laser appear to be a safe and effective procedure. Larger numbers of patients are required to verify this conclusion

Copyright: 2009 Porstmann Kongresse GmbH. All rights reserved. Impressum, Disclaimer.