Corneal Remodeling: 8- Year- Follow-Up Femtosecond Technique To Reverse Corneal Ectasia

To analyze 8-year- outcomes of a femtosecond-assisted -technique to reverse corneal ectasia.

Instituto de la Vision, Buenos Aires, Argentina

One hundred and seventy-four cases which underwent Corneal Remodeling were analyzed. Regarding the procedure, anesthetic drops were instilled.  A platform designed for femtosecond laser was used to perform the ablation: an 8 mm diameter-270 degree to 360 degree- keratectomy. Once ablation was completed, the edges of the resection were sutured with interrupted stitches. 

Age of the population was 33.32 ± 15.11 years-old. At postoperative 8th year, Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity (UDVA) was 0.47 ± 0.27, spherical equivalent changed from -4.23 ± 3.72 to -0.76 ± 1.98. Also, 100% of the cases changed preoperative Against-the-Rule or Oblique Astigmatism to postoperative With-the-Rule Astigmatism. Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (CDVA) changed from 0.31 ± 0.16 to 0.77 ± 0.34. After performing PRK procedure in 48 cases they achieved UDVA of 20/30 or better. All of the cases gained at least 1 line of CDVA; 54% of the cases gained 4 to 6 lines of CDVA. Postoperative Coma Aberration decreased up to 80%.

Corneal Remodeling is a safe technique. Produces a new corneal flattening, reduction of anterior chamber depth and decrease of optical aberrations. It allows surgeons to perform complementary refractive procedures on new corneal profiles.