One-year results and safety of femtosecond arcuate incisions for high post-keratoplasty astigmatism treatment: time to rethink the procedure?

Abstract Background/Aims High astigmatism after keratoplasty is the main limiting factor for visual rehabilitation. Among its treatment options the arcuate keratotomy (AK) with the femtosecond laser stands out for its perfection and versatility of the incision making. We designed a study to evaluate the results and safety of femtosecond arcuate keratotomy (femto-AK) in the treatment of high astigmatism after keratoplasty.Methods A prospective interventional cohort study. We enrolled 17 eyes with high degree of irregular astigmatism, scheduled for Femto-AK. IntraLase FS was used to perform arcuate incisions 1.00 mm inside the graft. Patients’ uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BDCVA), and astigmatic change were recorded and followed up to one year after surgery.Results Despite overall improvement in corneal cylinder and visual acuity in one-year follow-up, there was a 52.9% complication rate. Cylinder overcorrection occurred in 6 cases (35.3%) that was managed with compressive sutures; microperforation occurred in two cases (11.7%); and endothelial rejection in one case (5.9%).Conclusion The predictability of astigmatism correction was variable in reducing postkeratoplasty astigmatism and high complication rate was found in our case series. New nomograms and improvements in technique need to be developed in order to reduce the incidence of overcorrections.