Excimer laser surgery for keratoconus.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether there is increased risk associated with excimer laser surgery of primary keratoconus.


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology, County Council Hospital, Ryhov, Jönköping, Sweden.


METHODS
Twenty-four eyes in 23 patients with keratoconus had photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to reduce the steepness of the cone. A VISX Twenty-Twenty B laser (193 nm) was used for the treatments. Spherical ablations, cylindrical ablations, or both were used. Patients were followed for a mean of 22 months (range 6 to 46 months).


RESULTS
Fourteen patients (58%) had improved visual acuity. Eleven (46%) could manage with only spectacles, and three (13%) were fitted with contact lenses to get adequate visual function. All treated corneas healed, and no acceleration of the keratoconus was seen.


CONCLUSIONS
No increased risk was associated with treating primary keratoconus with excimer laser PRK. We found that excimer laser surgery can improve vision and the ability to wear contact lenses, and it did not interfere with subsequent corneal transplantation surgery.
Department of Ophthalmology, County Council Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden.
J
J
Mortensen
K
K
Carlsson
A
A
Ohrström
D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007640:Keratoconus / Q000601:surgery*; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity