To compare the outcomes of IntraLase femtosecond laser-enabled keratoplasty (IEK) versus conventional penetrating keratoplasty (C-PKP).

This retrospective study included 18 eyes of 17 patients who underwent C-PKP and 26 eyes of 25 patients who underwent IEK. Postoperative clinical results were compared between two groups.

The mean logMAR best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 0.70, 0.58, and 0.61 in the IEK group, and 1.06, 1.01, and 0.90 in the C-PKP group at postoperative 2, 4, and 6 months respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant at 2 and 4 months postoperatively ( p =0.033, 0.011). The mean refractive cylinder was 4.08 diopters (D), 4.01D, and 4.44D in the IEK group, while 5.75D, 5.75D, and 5.21D in the C-PKP group for each month, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant at 2 and 4 months postoperatively ( p =0.037, 0.027). The complication rate showed no significant differences up to 6 months of follow-up between the two groups.

The IEK showed better results in BSCVA and refractive astigmatism in the early postoperative period, in comparison with the C-PKP, and can be considered as a valuable method in penetrating keratoplasty.