[Femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasties]

Femtosecond laser technology in ophthalmology is not only used for refractive surgery (LASIK flaps), but also now for lamellar and penetrating keratoplasties. This is not surprising when one knows that femtosecond lasers can cut corneal tissue in all directions with micrometric accuracy. Lamellar dissection of the cornea is very facilitated with femtosecond laser because it is quicker and more reproducible. However, predescemet dissection is not yet possible, and although the interfaces are smooth, the visual benefits of this technology has still to be proven. Another field of application of femtosecond lasers is their use to perform the cut for penetrating keratoplasties. Different shapes of non vertical cuts are currently assessed in order to reduce the incidence of complications such as induced astigmatism and wound dehiscence, and to improve the visual outcome.