Table 1.
Benefits and practical aspects of excimer laser (EXL) and femtosecond laser (FSL) for keratoplasty with keratoconus (+++ = very beneficial, - - - = very unfavourable).
| EXL | FSL | |
|---|---|---|
| “Cumbersome procedure” | + | - - |
| Centration | + + + | + |
| Avoidance of deformation and compression | + + + | - - - |
| Higher IOD during the laser action | + + + | - |
| Minimisation of cut completion with scissors | (+) | + + |
| Undisputed localisation of the first 8 cardinal sutures | + + + | + |
| Stable anterior chamber during suturing | ++ | + + + |
| Feasibility to use a double continuous suture | + + + | + + + |
| Additional single sutures not necessary | + + + | + |
| Possible trephination with an instable cornea | + + + | - - - |
| Possible trephination with repeat keratoplasty | + + + | - |
| Helpful for DALK | + + | + + |
| Immune reactions | + | -- |