Corneal interactive programmed topographic ablation customized photorefractive keratectomy for correction of postkeratoplasty astigmatism.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the efficacy, predictability, stability, and safety of a software program (Corneal Interactive Programmed Topographic Ablation [CIPTA], LIGI, Taranto, Italy), which, by transferring programmed ablation from the corneal topograph to a flying-spot excimer laser, provides customized laser ablation for correction of postkeratoplasty astigmatism.

DESIGN

Noncomparative consecutive interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten eyes of 10 patients with a mean age of 41.4 years (range, 26-64) had CIPTA-guided photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy (PARK) at the Clinica Oculistica of Bari (Italy). Two patients were treated for hyperopic astigmatism and eight for myopic astigmatism. All the patients had irregular astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty. OPERATION: Topography was acquired by a corneal topograph (Orbscan II, Orbtek, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT). This, together with refractive data, was processed to obtain a customized altimetric ablation profile that was transferred to a flying-spot laser (Laserscan 2000, Lasersight, Orlando, FL).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data on uncorrected (UCVA) and best-corrected (BCVA) visual acuity, predictability, stability of refraction, and any complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 8.4 months (range, 6-12; SD 2.4). At the last postoperative examination, seven eyes (70%) had a UCVA superior to 20/40. Three eyes (30%) had a UCVA of 20/20. Five eyes (50%) were within 0.50 diopters (D) of attempted correction in the spherical equivalent, and eight eyes (80%) within 1 D. Index of success of astigmatic correction was 0.19. All the eyes (100%) gained Snellen lines of BCVA. We did not observe any decentration and/or haze after PARK treatment performed in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of topographic data with computer-controlled flying-spot excimer laser ablation is a suitable solution for correcting irregular astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty.