The effect of relaxing incisions with multiple compression sutures on post-keratoplasty astigmatism.
We describe a surgical technique for correction of astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty performed after all keratoplasty sutures have been removed. Two relaxing incisions of 3 clock hours, at 3/4 depth, 0.5 mm inside the keratoplasty wound are used in combination with two sets of three compression sutures placed 90 degrees from the incisions. Selective removal of the compression sutures allows for a graded reduction in overcorrection. With this technique, a mean preoperative astigmatism in 10 patients of 14.25 diopters was reduced to 6.33 D 3 months postoperatively (P less than .002). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications such as inadvertent perforation, wound dehiscence, or graft rejection.
Lustbader
J M
JM
Center for Sight, Georgetown University Medical Center, DC 20007.
Lemp
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014792:Visual Acuity