From the American Academy of Ophthalmology

This retrospective case series compared three- and six-month results of 116 keratoconus patients who underwent either femtosecond laser-enabled keratoplasty (FLEK) with a zig-zag incision or penetrating keratoplasty with traditional blade mechanical trephination. Although BSCVA and topographic astigmatism were significantly better in the FLEK group at three months, by six months the difference in terms of astigmatism was no longer significant. The authors say this procedure is preferred because it offers earlier suture removal, a biomechanically stronger corneal wound, increased safety, shorter surgical time and less endothelial cell loss. British Journal of Ophthalmology, September 2012