Femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for the correction of residual ametropia after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: a pilot investigation

Purpose To evaluate the refractive and visual results of one-stage laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis with femtosecond laser (Femto-LASIK) for the correction of residual ametropia after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). Methods This retrospective study included 13 eyes of 12 patients, who underwent corneal Femto-LASIK to correct refractive errors after DALK. IntraLase FS150 was used to create a lamellar flap and excimer laser ablation for refractive correction was performed using the Star S4 IR Excimer Laser in eight cases and the Technolas 217z Excimer Laser in Tissue Saving mode in five cases. Perioperative variables of interest included uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, manifest refraction and corneal topography. Results The mean spherical equivalent preoperatively was -4.85 +/- 2.82 (range, -9.5 to 0 D). At the last visit the mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -0.44 +/- 0.67 D (P<0.05). The mean postoperative UDVA was 0.12 +/- 0.12 logMAR. There was a statistically significant increase in CDVA 6 months after Femto-LASIK (Po0.05). Intraoperative and postoperative complications did not develop in this series of eyes. Conclusions Correcting the preoperative manifest refractive error with Femto-LASIK led to a significant improvement in the UDVA and CDVA without surgical complications.