Update on Femtosecond Laser-Enabled Keratoplasty

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Corneal diseases necessitate transplantation for vision restoration.
• Conventional keratoplasty techniques face challenges in precision and healing.
• Femtosecond laser technology offers potential advancements in corneal surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits of femtosecond laser-enabled keratoplasty (FLEK) and Femtosecond laser-enabled deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (Femto-DALK).
• To assess improvements in visual outcomes and graft rejection rates.
• To explore novel applications of femtosecond laser precision in lamellar keratoplasties.

Main Methods:

• Application of femtosecond lasers for customized trephination in donor and host matching.
• Comparison of FLEK and Femto-DALK with conventional penetrating keratoplasty.
• Analysis of clinical cohorts for visual outcomes and graft rejection.

Main Results:

• FLEK demonstrates meaningful improvements in visual outcomes and a lower risk of graft rejection.
• Femto-DALK eliminates the risk of endothelial rejection by combining femtosecond laser precision with deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.
• Customized trephination enhances wound integrity and precision at the graft interface, promoting faster healing.

Conclusions:

• Femtosecond laser technology significantly advances corneal transplantation, offering improved precision, faster visual rehabilitation, and reduced rejection rates.
• Femto-DALK presents a promising alternative for patients, mitigating endothelial rejection risks.
• Further research, including prospective randomized-controlled trials, is needed to confirm long-term outcomes and optimize patient accessibility.