UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Hi,

I'm currently on the waiting list for a cornea for DALK surgery on my right eye. I know there is a high chance of irregular astigmatism post-graft, requiring people to still wear spectacles or RGP lenses. I was interested in the possibility of wavefront-guided PRK or LASIK and the success of this in reducing irregular astigmatism and improving visual acuity. I have no problems wearing spectacles but am contact lens intolerant. What are the chances of the wavefront-guided laser treatments in improving visual acuity to someone who would otherwise require RGP lenses.

I realise that every individual is a unique case and it's impossible to categorically give an answer. However, I'm just interested in the speculation over the possibilities this can bring.

Thank you

stevematic

At one time laser surgery to correct irregular astigmatism after corneal graft was far more common than it seems to be now. I am sorry, but I'm afraid I have no clue as to why this should be. It was never offered to me, although the NHS clinic I attend does have the kit.

Maybe I'll ask next time I see my ophthalmologist.

Andrew

Andrew MacLean wrote:stevematic

At one time laser surgery to correct irregular astigmatism after corneal graft was far more common than it seems to be now. I am sorry, but I'm afraid I have no clue as to why this should be. It was never offered to me, although the NHS clinic I attend does have the kit.

Maybe I'll ask next time I see my ophthalmologist.

Andrew

Andrew,

That would be great. It does seem odd that it's not offered as often anymore. When I visited my ophthalmologist in December about the possibility of DALK on my eye, he briefly said that we could always laser surgery on the new cornea if need be.

i was tentatively offered this (wavefront) before my graft but i haven't had the need to follow it up- as far as i know there is only one machine in RSA. i would be concerned of the risk of damaging the new graft- but i suppose if i needed to improve the vision i would consider it based on the specialists recommendation.

melissa wrote:i was tentatively offered this (wavefront) before my graft but i haven't had the need to follow it up- as far as i know there is only one machine in RSA. i would be concerned of the risk of damaging the new graft- but i suppose if i needed to improve the vision i would consider it based on the specialists recommendation.

That's great that you feel your graft has been a success!

Is there much risk when the new graft has normal thickness?