title: Computerized videokeratographic analysis of corneal topographic changes induced by sutured and unsutured 4 mm scleral pocket incisions.
abstract: We used computerized videokeratography to analyze corneal topographical changes in 39 eyes of 39 patients who had phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation through 4 mm incisions. In one group of patients, the incisions were closed with a single vertical mattress suture; in the other group, no sutures were used. Computerized videokeratography was performed preoperatively and at one and five to six weeks postoperatively; corneal curvatures were assessed at radial distances of 0.75, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 mm along the 0-, 90-, 180-, and 270-degree semimeridians. At one week postoperatively, there was slightly more steepening along the 90- and 270-degree semimeridians (up to 0.9 diopters [D]) and slightly more flattening along the 0- and 180-degree semimeridians (up to 0.6 D) in the sutured group. At six weeks postoperatively, all mean semimeridional changes were less than 0.5 D. Computerized videokeratography demonstrated that sutured and unsutured 4 mm incisions induced clinically small corneal topographic changes and detected local variations in corneal curvature that may be due to sutures, cautery, and other operative factors.
authors.affiliation: Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
authors.forename: D D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Koch
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Haft
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gay
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012590:Sclera / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*