title: Corneal topographic and pachymetric screening of keratorefractive patients.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ambrósio
authors.forename: Stephen D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Klyce
authors.forename: Steven E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: 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