Management of postkeratoplasty ametropia: IntraLASIK after penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE. The authors describe a technique of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for the management of postkeratoplasty ametropia using a femtosecond laser for flap creation. METHODS. The first step was the placement of a disposable suction fixation ring to ensure that it was well-centered on the graft. The applanation cone was applied; the border of the flap was adjusted according to the edge of the graft. The hinge was at the 12 o'clock position; the mean flap diameter was 7.93 mm and the flap depth was 113.33 mu m. The flap creation was made with the IntraLase femtosecond laser in a raster pattern. Twenty minutes after the flap creation, it was lifted and the treatment was completed with the Allegretto Wavelight excimer laser. RESULTS. Three patients were treated with this technique and no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS. IntraLASIK is a promising and accurate procedure for the correction of postkeratoplasty ametropia and astigmatism. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2008; 18: 877-85)