Nd:YLF ablation of epikeratophakia lenticules: Early case results

BACKGROUND: Three patients with previous epikeratophakia for high myopia presented with consecutive hyperopia. To address this problem, intrastromal ablation with the Nd:YLF picosecond laser as an alternative to removal of the donor lenticules was attempted. METHODS: The Nd:YLF picosecond laser by Intelligent Surgical Lasers Inc. (ISL) was utilized in three cases for intrastromal ablation for the correction of consecutive hyperopia. The treatments were monitored by pre- and postoperative corneal mapping. RESULTS: Postoperative results show an overall trend towards the reduction of hyperopia. Interim changes in refraction were less predictable. There was an improvement in uncorrected visual acuity in all cases likely on the basis of a multifocal cornea effect. CONCLUSION: The Nd:YLF picosecond laser may hold promise for intrastromal ablation for the correction of hyperopia and with an improved delivery system may have more predictable refractive results.