Two-step LASIK after penetrating keratoplasty

Original Research

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Authors: Aris N Kollias, Markus M Schaumberger, Thomas C Kreutzer, et al

Published Date October 2009 Volume 2009:3 Pages 581 - 586

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S7332

Aris N Kollias, Markus M Schaumberger, Thomas C Kreutzer, Michael W Ulbig, Carlo A Lackerbauer

University Eye Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany

Purpose: The point of interest of this retrospective case review is to study refractive changes caused by the hinged lamellar keratotomy and the refractive outcome after laser ablation in a second step within the scope of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in patients with penetrating keratoplasty.

Methods: Data from eight patients obtained before lamellar keratotomy, before laser ablation, and three months later were evaluated. Keratotomies were performed with the Moria^® LSK one and the Amadeus^® 2 microkeratome, laser ablation was performed with the Schwind^® Keratome I and the Wavelight^® Allegretto WaveEyeQ.

Results: Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) improved significantly from 1 [logMar] to 0.4 [logMar] at the last visit. Median gain of UCVA was 7.38 ± 2.96 Snellen lines. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity did not change significantly. Preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent decreased from -4.02 ± 4.77 diopters (D) to -1.11 ± 2.45 D after laser ablation. Mean preoperative manifest astigmatism was -7.27 ± 3.65 D, after lamellar keratotomy -6.72 ± 3.68 D, and after laser ablation -2.08 ± 1.80 D. Manifest astigmatism did not change significantly after the keratotomy.

Conclusions: Lamellar keratotomy causes biomechanical changes to the cornea. We favor a two-step LASIK in penetrating keratoplasty patients in order to improve precision and predictability of the refractive outcome.

Keywords: two-step, cornea, LASIK, keratoplasty, astigmatism