Three-year results after femtosecond laser-assisted circular keratotomy as a treatment for keratoconus stage I-II: comparison with (iontophoresis-assisted) corneal cross-linking

Session Details

Session Title: Presented Poster Session: Keratorefractive Surgery Results I

Venue: Poster Village: Pod 2

First Author: : K.Klabe GERMANY

Co Author(s): :    D. Breyer   H. Kaymak   T. Ax   F. Kretz   G. Auffarth           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The aim of this analysis is to address the question, whether femtosecond laser-induced circular keratotomy (FSCKT) is as effective in halting progression of keratoconus of stage I and II as (Iontophoresis-Assisted) Corneal Cross-Linking ((I)CXL).

Setting:

All FSCKT (Femto LDV, Ziemer) and (I)CXL treatments and follow-ups were by one surgeon (BY) at the Breyer-Kaymak-Klabe Eye Surgery & Premium Eyes in Duesseldorf, Germany, which is part of the International Vision Correcton Research Center Network (IVCRC.net).

Methods:

In this study, 10, 114 and 85 eyes were treated with FSCKT, CXL, and ICXL, respectively. Follow up measurements were performed at 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years. Manifest refraction and corrected monocular visual acuity at far (CDVA) were measured with a phoropter and EDTRS reading charts. Keratometry and pachymetry readings as well as Belin/Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia data (BAD-D) was assessed via Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam, Oculus).

Results:

In 9 of 10 eyes treated with FSCKT, no signs of a progressing keratoconus were found. The mean values for CDVA, corneal thickness at the thinnest point CTTP, maximum keratometry Kmax and BAD-D remained stable within the 3-year follow up. CDVA was (0.00+-0.09)logMAR 3 years after surgery. However, 1 eye (10%) initially treated with FSCKT displayed progressing keratoconus and was retreated with CXL. In the CXL-group, mean values for CDVA, CTTP, Kmax and BAD-D also remained stable or even improved, whereas our first results for ICXL display a trend towards small but continued progression.

Conclusions:

So far, our 3-year results indicate that FSCKT is effective in stopping the progression of keratoconus of stage I and II in 9 of 10 eyes. ICXL turned out to be less effective than CXL.

Financial Disclosure:

None