[Laser thermokeratoplasty: clinico-functional aspects of postoperative eye condition]

Laser thermokeratoplasty (LTK) induces postoperative inflammation of the cornea. Its clinical manifestation as well as the degree of endothelial cell loss depend on laser irradiation energy and the number of coagulates. The refractive effect of LTK is most stable in a hyperopia of up to 3.0 D and a laser energy value of up to 170 mJ; in this case, endothelial cell loss dose not exceed 2.2%. According to biomicroscopy, ultrasound pachimetry, and optical coherent tomography of the anterior segment of the eye, LTK results in corneal thickening, after which the volume of the coagulant gradually decreases and stabilizes by the end of the first year after LTK. Two types of scar, biomicroscopically different in size and optical density, form after LTK. The authors distinguish four clinical periods of healing after LTK, which makes it possible to evaluate and systematize physiological and biomechanical processes taking place in the cornea during refraction formation.