Penetrating Keratoplasty for Post-LASIK Ectasia
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To present the results of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of post Lasik (laser in situ keratomileusis) corneal ectasia.
Methods
Pre and postoperative data were collected for patients referred to the Cornea Service at the Westchester Medical Center with post Lasik corneal ectasia. All the patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty because of an inability to tolerate contact lenses or spectacles.
Results
Data from 5 patients were used. Average age at the time of PKP was 46.2 ±5.6 (SD) years (range: 37–52). Average time between the first LASIK treatment and PKP was 7.3 ±4.2 years (range: 2.9–13.6). Keratometry before PKP averaged 46.4 ±3.9 (range: 39.5– greater than 52). Average uncorrected visual acuity improved from 0.08 ±0.07 before the operation, to 0.21 ±0.18 after surgery (P=0.23). Average best corrected visual acuity increased from 0.34 ±0.40 before the operation, to 0.9 ±0.1 after surgery (P=0.046). After surgery, two patients developed transient stromal rejection episodes and another patient developed borderline glaucoma.
Conclusion
PKP is an effective treatment for post Lasik ectasia. Complications such as glaucoma or corneal rejection may occur. Patients must be followed closely for this.