Abstract
Purpose: :
Despite that thinning of the cornea is one feature of keratoconus it has been reported that photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) by an excimer laser may improve vision or increase the ability to wear contact-lenses. We report our experience with this treatment modality.
Methods: :
19 eyes with contact-lens intolerant moderate keratoconus (steepest K < 60 D; corneal thickness > 0.40 mm) were treated during the period 1998 to 2007. A Zeiss-Meditec MEL-70 or MEL-80 excimer laser was used. Treatments were performed as topography supported ablation profiles (TOSCA or CRS-TOPO). Pre- and postoperative examinations included spectacle refraction, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA). Follow-up was at least 6 months.
Results: :
Best corrected visual acuity improved two or more lines in 14 of 19 eyes (74%) and one eye lost two or more lines (5%). After a successful post-operative period of 6 years, one eye underwent lamellar transplantation 7 years after PRK.
Conclusions: :
In moderate keratoconus photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) may improve spectacle corrected visual acuity and postpone corneal transplantation permanently or at least for some time.
Keywords: keratoconus • refractive surgery • cornea: clinical science