Laser assisted corneal transplantation (also known as laser assisted keratoplasty or Intralase enabled keratoplasty) is a corneal transplant technique utilizing laser technology to prepare the corneal graft and to remove the diseased recipient cornea. Until this technology was available the corneal transplant was done exclusively with a hand held trephine, which offered a straight, cookie cutter type of wound. The laser is able to construct the wound in a desired shape (e.g. a Z shape).  The laser assisted wound may have faster vision recovery, reduction of postoperative astigmatism and possibly improved strength due to increased surface area of contact between the corneal graft and recipient cornea.