Pachymetry-guided keratoplasty useful for keratoconus

Pachymetry-guided custom excimer laser–assisted lamellar keratoplasty is a useful surgical procedure for the treatment of moderate to advanced keratoconus.

The prospective noncomparative case series, led by Dr Leopoldo Spadea, Eye Clinic, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy, examined 43 keratoconic eyes preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. All patients underwent transepithelial excimer laser ablation.

The outcome measures were uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, manifest refraction, computerized videokeratography, pachymetry and endothelial specular microscopy.

Of the 43 eyes studied, 35 were included in the 24-month follow-up visit. UDVA was better than 20/60 in 16 patients and the CDVA was 20/40 or better in 31 patients. Mean refractive astigmatism was −2.11 D and mean spherical equivalent manifest refraction was -2.60 D.

The surgical procedure eradicates the need for an invasive procedure of penetrating keratoplasty.

The abstract can be found in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.