Corneal topographic and pachymetric screening of keratorefractive patients.
OBJECTIVE
To review the incidence of corneal abnormalities detected in the preoperative examination, using videokeratography and pachymetry that excluded patients from laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


METHODS
We conducted a chart review of consecutive patients who had a preoperative examination and were excluded from refractive surgery.


RESULTS
Eighteen patients from 1,392 refractive candidates (1.3%) were designated as poor candidates for LASIK or PRK based on corneal topography and/or pachymetry. Thirteen patients (0.9%) were identified as having keratoconus suspect, keratoconus, or pellucid marginal degeneration. Five patients (0.4%) were excluded due to thin corneas (<490 microm) despite normal corneal topography.


CONCLUSIONS
Corneal topography and pachymetry are indispensable tools in the preoperative screening of refractive surgery candidates.
Ambrósio
Renato
R
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Klyce
Stephen D
SD
Wilson
Steven E
SE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019781:Corneal Topography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020731:Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008875:Middle Aged; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies