[New method of astigmatism correction: bitoric single-meridian kerato-ablation in photorefraction surgery]

The technique and results of an original method for correction of common myopic astigmatism and mixed small-sphere astigmatism by means of bitoric photokeratoablation are described. Forty-six operations were performed on patients with 2-7 diopter astigmatism. Residual 0.87 diopter astigmatism was observed in patients with the initial value of less than 3 diopters. At initial astigmatism higher than 3 diopters, residual value was 1.49 diopters 3 months postoperation. No changes in the spheric component of initial refraction occurred. The proposed technique includes estimation of bitoric keratoablation, order of steps, and values of ablation algorithm enhancement. The method helps decrease the depth of keratoablation, rules out hypercorrection, and creates optimal conditions for reoperations.