Femtosecond laser-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in phototherapeutic keratectomy versus the big-bubble technique in keratoconus.

Aim: To compare the functional and anatomic results of femtosecond laser (FSL)-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) associated with phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and FSL-assisted DALK performed using the big-bubble technique in keratoconus.

Methods: During the first phase of the study, an electron microscopy histopathology pilot study was conducted that included four unsuitable donor corneas divided into two groups: in FSL group, FSL lamellar cuts were performed on two corneas and in FSL+PTK group, PTK was performed at the stromal beds of two corneas after FSL lamellar cuts were made. During the second phase of the study, a randomized clinical trial was conducted that included two treatment groups of patients with keratoconus: group 1 (=14 eyes) underwent FSL-assisted DALK associated with PTK and group 2 (=12 eyes) underwent FSL-assisted DALK associated with the big-bubble technique.

[Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty evaluation in patients with keratoconus].

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy, complications and confocal microscopy corneal features of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using the air dissection technique in keratoconus.

Methods: Seventeen eyes with advanced keratoconus were submitted to this technique. Postoperative visual acuity and complication rate were analyzed.