Corneal topography after selective suture removal for astigmatism following keratoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
The authors sought to determine whether the immediate corneal topographic changes induced by selective suture removal for astigmatism after keratoplasty were stable over time.


METHODS
Computerized videokeratoscopic images were obtained prior to and immediately following suture removal in 14 patients, and then again at the next postoperative visit 4 to 6 weeks later. These images were analyzed and statistically compared for central corneal power and vector of the central 3-mm corneal astigmatism.


RESULTS
Most of the topographic changes induced by suture removal occurred immediately. However, continued shifting in corneal curvature did take place over the subsequent 4 to 6 weeks. Unpredictable shifts were more pronounced in patients whose surgery had been performed more than 20 months prior to suture removal.


CONCLUSIONS
Computerized videokeratoscopy graphically elucidates continued shifts in corneal topography following the removal of sutures for the control of astigmatism after keratoplasty.
Goren
M B
MB
Cornea Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Dana
M R
MR
Rapuano
C J
CJ
Gomes
J A
JA
Cohen
E J
EJ
Laibson
P R
PR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014792:Visual Acuity