title: Microkeratome-induced reduction of astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report the reduction in postpenetrating keratoplasty astigmatism with the use of the microkeratome to create a lamellar corneal flap as the first stage in a two-step laser in situ keratomileusis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The hansatome microkeratome was used to create a lamellar corneal flap in a 24-year-old man with a net corneal astigmatism of 7.3 diopters, 2 years after penetrating keratoplasty. No laser ablation was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The net corneal astigmatism reduced to 3.9 diopters at 1 month and 2.3 diopters at 3 months of follow-up, without any laser ablation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laser in situ keratomileusis may be performed as a two-stage procedure, because the lamellar corneal flap alone may reduce postpenetrating keratoplasty astigmatism.
authors: Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Dada
authors: R B
authors: RB
authors: Vajpayee
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Gupta
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Sharma
authors: V K
authors: VK
authors: Dada
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ / Q000295:instrumentation; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014792:Visual Acuity