Long-term Outcomes of a New Surgical Technique for Corneal Remodeling in Corneal Ectasia

• Published in: Journal of refractive surgery (1995) Vol. 35; no. 4; pp. 261 - 267
• Main Authors: Carriazo, César, Cosentino, María José
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Slack, Inc 01.04.2019; SLACK INCORPORATED
• Subjects: Care and treatment; Cataracts; Cornea; Corneal diseases; Eye; Lasers; Lasers in surgery; Methods; Patients; Surgery; Surgical techniques; Tomography; Topography; Argentina
• ISSN: 1081-597X; 1938-2391
• DOI: 10.3928/1081597X-20190226-02

To analyze the outcomes of a new technique (corneal remodeling) to treat corneal ectasia. Sixty-nine cases that underwent corneal remodeling were analyzed. Anesthetic drops were instilled and a femtosecond laser platform was used to perform an 8-mm diameter keratectomy (180°, 270°, or 360°). Once ablation was completed, the edges of the resection were sutured with 8 to 12 interrupted stitches. Three-year follow-up data are presented. The age of the population was 30.83 ± 12.65 years (range: 16 to 48 years). At 36 months postoperatively, 57.2% presented with uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/100 or worse and 42.8% achieved between 20/80 and 20/40. After performing photorefractive keratectomy in 3 cases, 14.3% presented with UDVA of 20/100 or worse, 57.2% achieved between 20/80 and 20/40, and 28.5% achieved 20/30 or better in 180° arc length keratectomy. Most parameters compared were moderately to statistically significant (P < .05 to < .0000001). Corneal remodeling is a safe technique that produces corneal flattening, reduction of anterior chamber depth, and decreased optical aberrations. It also offers a possibility to perform complementary refractive procedures. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(4):261-267.].