[Excimer laser treatment in deep lamellar keratoplasty 100 micrometer over Descemet's membrane].
BACKGROUND
Possible improvements of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the stability of the endothelium in deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLKP) assisted by Excimer laser polishing were evaluated.


METHODS
A 59-year-old male patient was treated 1 year after DLKP with the intention of improving is BCVA. Excimer laser treatment was performed on the deep layers of the graft and on the posterior lamellae of the recipient's cornea 100 micrometer over the endothelium.


RESULTS
BCVA improved from 20/100 to 20/22 within 9 months. Refraction remained identical pre- and post-laser treatment at +1.25 sph=-2.0 cyl/17 degrees The endothelium remained unchanged with regard to its cell count of 2,100 cells/mm(2) and the normal morphology.


CONCLUSIONS
Smoothing of the interface by Excimer scanning laser treatment may be recommended in such cases of DLKP in which postoperatively the resulting visual acuity does not correspond to the retinal resolution. Use of scanning or flying-spot lasers are the prerequisite for the maintenance of the endothelium.
Krumeich
J H
JH
Klinik Krumeich, Bochum, Germany. JK@krumeich.de
Schöner
P
P
Lubatschowski
H
H
Gerten
G
G
Kermani
O
O
D001251:Astigmatism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D003886:Descemet Membrane / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004728:Endothelium, Corneal / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012086:Reoperation; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology