Lamellar keratoplasty in keratoconus.

The authors present the results of 11 keratoplasties in cases of keratoconus, comparing the visual acuity and the ocular refraction before and after the operation (ophtalmometry, objective and subjective refractometry). The statistical data indicate a meaningful flattening of the corneal curvature (12.84 dpt average) and a mean reduction of the myopia for 8.227 dpt. In fact, the basic regular astigmatism of the cornea had not been altered. The mean visual acuity was 0.68 (with an improvement of 0.495). No further damage of acuity had been observed. After 10 to 69 months a medical checkup revealed transparent grafts in five cases; four presented small maculae; one, thin folds of Descemet's membrane. Based on the authors' experience and on the literature, the paper recommends lamellar keratoplasty in cases of keratoconus, the surgeon must choose the appropriate moment in the course of the development of this disease.