Refractive surgery following corneal graft.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the different surgical procedures for management of postkeratoplasty refractive errors after total suture removal.

RECENT FINDINGS: There are different surgical options to address residual refractive errors that frequently occur after corneal transplantation. The correction can be done on the corneal surface or intraocular with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation which requires complete tectonic and refractive stability after suture removal. The most commonly used procedures are photorefractive keratectomy, laser in-situ keratomileusis and Phakic IOLs. Keratoplasty has been profited by recent advances in refractive surgery. Custom excimer laser ablation is an alternative way to treat irregular errors. New IOL modalities are good practical options for a wide range of errors. Femtosecond laser, as a new option in the toolbox, can modify corneal grafting refractive results and assist corrective refractive procedures.

SUMMARY: Although being the most successful organ transplantation, keratoplasty is usually followed by significant ametropia. Different corrective modalities exist and the choice should fit ocular conditions, patient requirements, surgeon skills and the available technologies. Recent advances in ophthalmic surgery have improved the outcomes.