Photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy for correction of astigmatism after keratoplasty.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of photoastigmatic refractive keratectomy (PARK) to correct astigmatism after keratoplasty was evaluated.

METHODS: PARK was performed using the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser in 10 eyes of 10 patients (mean age: 49.5 +/- 11.5 years) with astigmatism after keratoplasty.

RESULTS: The refractive cylinder decreased from 5.80 to 3.20 D, whereas at 6 months, topographic cylinder decreased from 7.40 to 5.90 D post-operatively. Five eyes (50%) had uncorrected visual acuity of 20/60 or better at 3 months. Stromal haze increased from 3 to 6 months postoperatively, and at 6 months, 5 eyes (50%) had a haze score of greater than or equal to 2.0.

CONCLUSION: PARK is a moderately effective method of correcting astigmatism after keratoplasty.