Efficacy and safety of intacs SK in moderate to severe keratoconus

ABSTRACT

To examine the safety and efficacy of Intacs SK for moderate to severe keratoconus [KGC] using femtosecond technology. This prospective, non-comparative study included 37 contact lens intolerant keratoconic eyes [stage II-III] of 24 patients who underwent femtosecond-assisted Intacs SK implantation. Inclusion criteria were mean K readings <56.00 D, corneal thickness >400 micro at the incision site, mesopic pupil <6.50 mm. Evaluation included manifest refraction, slitlamp examination, corneal topography, uncorrected distance visual acuity [UDVA] and corrected distance visual acuity [CDVA]. P< 0.05 was statistically significant. Thirty-one [83.8%]eyes were classified as Amsler-Krumeich's stage II and 6 [16.2%] were stage III. Mean central pachymetry was 490.3 +/- 37.4 microm. UDVA at 6 months post-operatively was significantly better than pre-operatively [0.90 log MAR +/- 0.52 standard deviation [SD] versus 0.32 +/- 0.27 logMAR; respectively, P < 0.000l], as was the spherical equivalent [SEq] [-3.64 +/- 2.52 D vs. -1.84 +/- 2.2 D; P< 0.000l]. The mean CDVA and manifest cylinder improved compared with pre-operatively [P = 0.319 and P= 0.078, respectively]. Average keratometry decreased significantly from 48.50 +/- 3.08 D to 44.40 +/- 3.03 D [P< 0.000l]. Implantation of Intacs SK using femtosecond laser in moderate to severe KG is safe and effective