Epikeratophakia for keratoconus Long‐term results using fresh, free‐hand made lamellar grafts

Abstract

Epikeratophakia using fresh, free-hand made corneal grafts was done in 16 patients with keratoconus. The follow-up period averaged 27.8 months (range 13-45 months). A significant improvement of visual acuity was obtained (p = 0.002), and 14 of the 16 eyes (87.5%) achieved a corrected visual acuity greater than or equal to 6/12. The spherical equivalent and the cylindrical refractive error were reduced (p less than 0.05), and a significant flattening of the central corneal curvature was obtained (p less than 0.002). The mean postoperative central corneal astigmatism was 4.25 D. Postoperatively, the mean central corneal thickness was 0.670 mm, and the mean central thickness of the epithelialized graft was 0.336 mm. Six patients reported some postoperative glare or blurring of vision, despite a visual acuity greater than or equal to 6/9 on the Snellen chart. No significant subjective or objective changes were noticed after the 6-month postoperative follow-up visit.

Anatomical and functional graft survival, 10 years after epikeratoplasty in keratoconus

“…[24–26] One may wonder if the same can be compared with that of ATK/ DALK. However, considering the indication and surgical technique were quite different in epikeratoplasty than that of other form of keratoplasty, it is not an optimally ideal preposition to compare with that of others.…”