Clinical results of arcuate incisions to correct astigmatism.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of arcuate incisions for correcting congenital, post-cataract, post-radial keratotomy, and post-trapezoidal keratotomy astigmatism.


METHODS
Buzard Eye Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada.


METHODS
In this retrospective study, 46 eyes of 29 patients had arcuate incisions to correct astigmatism. The average age of patients was 52 years.


RESULTS
Mean preoperative astigmatism was 3.51 +/- 1.57 D (keratometric) and 3.41 +/- 1.44 D (manifest). Mean preoperative uncorrected visual acuity was 20/80, ranging from 20/30 to 20/400. Thirty eyes had a pair of 45-degree arcuate incisions, 10 eyes had a pair of 60-degree arcuate incisions, and 6 eyes had a pair of 90-degree arcuate incisions. Mean follow-up was 6 months. Mean postoperative astigmatism was 1.46 +/- 1.07 D (keratometric) and 1.05 +/- 0.94 D (manifest), with a reduction of astigmatism in all operated eyes. Mean postoperative uncorrected visual acuity was 20/32, ranging from 20/20 to 20/60. The analysis of the vector astigmatic change showed that only two patients were overcorrected after the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
The predictability and safety of arcuate incisions are reflected in these results.
Department of Ophthalmology, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Germany.
K A
KA
Buzard
E
E
Laranjeira
B R
BR
Fundingsland
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003315:Cornea / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity