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.
Center for Sight, Georgetown University Medical Center, DC 20007.
J M
JM
Lustbader
M A
MA
Lemp
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