Epikeratoplasty for myopia: 2-year results and a proposed nomogram.
BACKGROUND
Epikeratoplasty for myopia is a relatively safe and reversible surgical technique that can result in large refractive corrections. However, it is also claimed that long-term stability and predictability are not satisfactory due to refractive regression and undercorrection.


METHODS
In an effort to improve predictability and stability of epikeratoplasty for myopia, we followed 24 cases for 2 years and isolated factors affecting the postoperative refractive results.


RESULTS
We found that better refractive results were achieved at 24 months postoperatively for cases in which the power of preoperative myopia was lower. Our investigations also disclosed no significant correlation between the surgical outcome at 24 months and patients' sex, age, and preoperative keratometric readings.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of our observations, we propose a new nomogram where higher powers of minus keratolenses, compared to the traditional prescription chart, should be selected for those with high preoperative myopia to result in improved long-term results with epikeratoplasty for myopia. This nomogram has not yet been clinically tested.
Choi
S
S
Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Korea.
Lee
J H
JH
D000328:Adult; D016039:Corneal Transplantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity