[Experimental correction of irregular astigmatism in patients with keratoconus using diode laser thermal keratoplasty].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential of diode laser thermokeratoplasty (DTK) in the correction of irregular astigmatism in patients with keratoconus.

GROUP AND

METHODS

The coagulation of deep layers of cornea stroma was made on four eyes of four patients suffering from advanced keratoconus at the mean age of 31 years by means of the infrared contact cw laser Prolaser Rodenstock 1.9 DTK. The aim of the treatment was to increase the curvature of cornea in flat meridians and to compensate flattening of cornea in steep meridians by way of forming traction strips between the contracted tissue of individual coagulation points. The changes on the cornea topography and changes of visual functions were determined.

RESULTS

The diode laser keratoplasty is capable to induce sector increase of cornea curvature and thereby improve symmetry pictures of irregular astigmatism in keratoconus. For a definitive inclusion of DLK into the spectrum of clinically applicable procedures, other therapeutic studies are needed as well as larger groups with relatively homogeneous pre-operation pictures.