Laser Assisted Tissue Dissection To Reduce Corneal Astigmatism

This prospective study has been undertaken to explore avenues to reduce corneal astigmatism in all patients, especially those with keratoconus

Prosppective study conducted at Optimax Eye Clinics, England, United Kingdom by a single surgeon

This is a prospective study. All patients were recruited as per the protocol with a minimum corneal thickness of 350 microns. Femtosecond Laser pocket dissection was performed with 3.7 mm entry wound and 9 mm diameter at a depth of 220 microns

3 patients were recruited for the study, All of them were males and suffering from keratoconus. The central corneal thickness ranges from 350 to 410 microns. The prepoperative keratometry readings ranges from 48 to 53 dioptres (mean 51 D) and the mean postoperative keratometry reading was 48 D. The mean postoperrative central corneal thickness was 410 microns. The unaided visual acuity did improve from 0.10 decimal to 0.4 decimal

This is a novel method to reduce corneal astigmatism especially in keratoconic patients. Due to religious beliefs, some patients may be reluctant to use certain types of implants of porcine origin. Such patients have a choice to undergo Laser Assisted Tissue DIssection Surgery (LATD) to improve their corneal profile and unaided vision