Astigmatism correction after penetrating keratoplasty by intrastromal corneal segments implantation using a femtosecond laser

Abstract

Purpose. Analysis of clinical and functional results of astigmatism correction after penetrating keratoplasty by intrastromal segment implantation (ICS) using a femtosecond laser (FSL). Material and methods. The clinical study included 22 patients (22 eyes) who were implanted ICS using FSL in order to correct postkeratoplastic astigmatism. Before surgery, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) averaged 0.09±0.05, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) – 0.3±0.22, the value of the spherical component of refraction (SCR) – 1.16±3.98 D, cylindrical component of refraction (CCR) – –10.25±4.80 D, mean keratometry value (Kave) – 43.59±3.99 D, corneal hysteresis (CH) – 7.94±1.44 mm Hg, corneal resistance factor (CRF) – 7.01±1.81 mm Hg. Results. Intra- and postoperative complications were not observed. 12 months after the operation, the UCVA was 0.50±0.16, the BCVA – 0.60±0.18; SCR –1.05±3.18 D, CCR – –2.22±0.82D, Kave – 38.56±1.96 D, CH – 8.93±1.13 mm Hg, CRF – 8.44±1.44 mm Hg.Conclusion. The method of the intrastromal corneal segments implantation into a corneal graft using a femtosecond laser has demonstrated high refractive efficiency and safety in correcting postkeratoplastic astigmatism and increased the biomechanical properties of the corneal graft.

Keywords

• induced astigmatism
• intracorneal segments
• femtosecond laser
• keratoplasty