Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate visual recovery and astigmatism in eyes with stromal corneal pathology and ecstatic disease that underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with femtosecond laser zigzag incisions.
Methods: :
A consecutive series of six eyes from an academic referral practice that underwent the zigzag DALK were retrospectively reviewed. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography of the wound, topographically determined astigmatism, and best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) at various post-operative intervals are reported.
Results: :
Average astigmatism was 2.45 diopters by post-operative month 1. Average BSCVA was 20/25 by month 3 (Logmar 0.13. There were no post-operative complications and anterior segment OCT showed a well attached Descemet’s membrane with smooth donor to host transition..
Conclusions: :
The femtosecond zigzag DALK results in a biomechanically stable wound and excellent apposition of Descemet’s membrane. Recovery of BSCVA and astigmatism are comparable to full thickness femtosecond laser keratoplasty.
Keywords: transplantation • keratoconus