Keratometric results during the first year after keratoplasty: adjustable single running suture technique versus double running suture technique.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the 3-month and 1-year postoperative keratometric results in a retrospective sequential series of corneal grafts performed with either a double running suture technique or an adjustable single running suture technique.


METHODS
Keratometry values obtained 3 months and 1 year after penetrating keratoplasty, when sutures were still present, were compared between 31 grafts with double running sutures and 27 grafts with single running sutures, 15 of which had been adjusted postoperatively.


RESULTS
No significant difference in mean keratometry between the 2 groups was found either 3 months or 12 months after keratoplasty. Mean keratometric astigmatism was significantly less in the single running group at both 3 months (2.2 +/- 1.9 vs 4.5 +/- 2.8, mean +/- SD, P <0.001) and 12 months (3.0 +/- 2.2 vs 4.2 +/- 2.1, P = 0.03). Within groups, there was no significant change from 3 months to 12 months in either mean keratometry or keratometric astigmatism.


CONCLUSIONS
The single running suture technique, with postoperative adjustments, produced less keratometric astigmatism during the first postoperative year, when sutures were still in place.
Ramirez
M
M
Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Hodge
D O
DO
Bourne
W M
WM
D001251:Astigmatism / Q000517:prevention & control; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D019781:Corneal Topography; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques