Long-term results of penetrating keratoplasty using a single or double running suture technique.
BACKGROUND
Corneal astigmatism changes after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with single running suture (SRS) or double running suture (DRS) were evaluated in this prospective randomized study.


METHODS
Sixty-eight consecutive eyes underwent PK: 35 received a SRS and 33 an anti-torque DRS using the same Hanna Suction System. All sutures were removed between 12 and 20 months after surgery.


RESULTS
Within the first month after PK, a statistically significant difference was noted, with a lower mean value of astigmatism for the DRS group. The final mean postoperative videokeratographic astigmatism was 3.51+/-1.93 and 3.42+/-1.94 in the SRS and DRS group respectively (36 months' follow-up).


CONCLUSIONS
Although the final astigmatism was about the same in the two suture groups, the DRS seems to lead to faster restoration of visual function due to early stability.
Spadea
Leopoldo
L
Department of Ophthalmology, University of L'Aquila, Italy. lspadea@cc.univaq.it
Cifariello
Francesco
F
Bianco
Guido
G
Balestrazzi
Emilio
E
D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D006801:Humans; D015948:Keratoplasty, Penetrating / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity