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Femtosecond-assisted PK a potential replacement for standard PK
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SAN DIEGO — Despite several disadvantages, femtosecond-assisted penetrating keratoplasty may eventually serve as a viable replacement for standard PK, a presenter said here.
"Femtosecond-assisted penetrating keratoplasty is very exciting technology, and I think this is where we are heading in the future," David S. Rootman, MD, said in a discussion about the newer technology's advantages and disadvantages at Cornea Day preceding the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.
The technology for femtosecond-assisted PK offers better wound healing, less traumatic disruption and faster recovery of vision. It was hoped that femtosecond-assisted PK would also employ reduced astigmatism; however, few comparative studies exist to demonstrate whether using the femtosecond laser results in better sustained astigmatism correction compared with that of standard PK, according to Dr. Rootman.
Current disadvantages include the complexity and unfamiliarity of the femtosecond-assisted PK technique, the logistics and time required for preparation and patient movement, and expenses in excess of $500,000. There is also no cost-recovery method at this time; thus, if insurance companies do not recognize the added value of performing this procedure with the laser, surgeons may lose money.
As technology continues to evolve, however, newer, smaller and less-expensive machines will likely solve these issues, Dr. Rootman said.
- Disclosure: Dr. Rootman has received funding from AMO.