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Epikeratophakia for keratoconus Long‐term results using fresh, free‐hand made lamellar grafts

Abstract Epikeratophakia using fresh, free‐hand made corneal grafts was done in 16 patients with keratoconus. The follow‐up period averaged 27.8 months (range 13–45 months). A significant improvement of visual acuity was obtained (p = 0.002), and 14 of the 16 eyes (87.5%) achieved a corrected visual acuity ≥ 6/12. The spherical equivalent and the cylindrical refractive error were reduced (p < 0.05), and a significant flattening of the central corneal curvature was obtained (p < 0.002). The mean postoperative central corneal astigmatism was 4.25 D. Postoperatively, the mean central corneal thickness was 0.670 mm, and the mean central thickness of the epithelialized graft was 0.336 mm. Six patients reported some postoperative glare or blurring of vision, despite a visual acuity ≥ 6/9 on the Snellen chart. No significant subjective or objective changes were noticed after the 6‐month postoperative follow‐up visit.