Corneal Remodeling Shows Long-Term Safety, Effectiveness

Corneal remodeling is a safe, effective technique to treat corneal ectasia, producing favorable outcomes for patients who undergo this procedure. Data from a long-term follow-up study were presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2020 Annual Meeting, held virtually November 13 to 15, 2020. 

In order to evaluate the 6-year outcomes of a femtosecond-assisted technique for the treatment of corneal ectasia, researchers evaluated 131 cases (patient age: 36.28 ± 15.19 years) of corneal remodeling. In each case, anesthetic drops were applied, and a femtosecond laser was used to perform an ablation (8 mm, 270-degree or 360-degree keratectomy). Interrupted stitches were used to suture the resection. 

Postoperative 6-year uncorrected distance visual acuity was approximately 0.47; corrected distance visual acuity changed from 0.26 (± 0.14) to 0.81 (± 0.16). Sphere change improved, from -3.69 (± 3.51) to -0.21 (± 2.21), and 100% of cases transitioned from preoperative against-the-rule or oblique astigmatism to postoperative presentation of with-the-rule astigmatism. 

Following photorefractive keratectomy procedures conducted in 40 patients, an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/30 or better was achieved. All patients gained at least 1 line of corrected distance visual acuity, with 45% of patients gaining 4 to 6 lines. 

Finally, postoperative coma aberration decreased up to 80%.

“Corneal remodeling is a safe technique,” the researchers concluded. “It produces a new corneal profile, and it allows surgeons to perform complementary procedures.” 

Reference

Carriazo CC, Cosentino MJ. Corneal remodeling, a new technique to treat keratoconus: Six-year follow-up. Presented at: American Academy of Ophthalmology 2020 Annual Meeting; November 13-15, 2020. Abstract RP30065769