Femtosecond laser–assisted intrastromal corneal lenticule implantation for treatment of advanced keratoconus in a child’s eye

We present a case of a 12-year-old male patient who received a femtosecond laser–assisted intrastromal implantation of a donor corneal lenticule for the treatment of advanced keratoconus. Initially, the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) in the left eye was counting fingers (CF) and cycloplegic refraction was −18.50 −4.50 × 85 = 20/400. Preoperative corneal topography demonstrated a curvature of 65.90 × 62/57.17 × 152. Twelve months after lenticule implantation, the cornea was completely clear and the thickness changed from 245 μm to 639 μm. The UDVA was CF at 2 m and refraction was −12.25 −2.50 × 180 = 20/30, whereas topography demonstrated a curvature of 61.44 × 52/59.28 × 142. The results showed that the procedure was successful in thickening and flattening the cornea. It is expected that penetrating or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, if required, could be postponed to a more suitable age.