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Conductive keratoplasty to correct hyperopic astigmatism.
Ioannis G Pallikaris1, Tatiana L Naoumidi, Nikos I Astyrakakis
1University of Crete, Medical School, Vardinoyannion Eye Institute of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
Journal of Refractive Surgery (Thorofare, N.J. : 1995)
|August 6, 2003
Summary
Conductive keratoplasty effectively treated hyperopic astigmatism in a small case series, improving uncorrected vision without complications. This minimally invasive procedure offers a potential solution for irregular astigmatism, including post-LASIK cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Hyperopic astigmatism, both pre-existing and surgically induced, presents challenges in visual correction.
- Previous refractive surgeries like LASIK and PRK can lead to irregular astigmatism.
- Conductive keratoplasty is a surgical technique aimed at modifying corneal curvature.
Observation:
- A prospective case series evaluated the Refractec ViewPoint conductive keratoplasty system on four eyes with hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism.
- Subjects included patients with prior LASIK (decentered ablation, flap striae), PRK, and keratoconus.
- Follow-up extended to six months, with assessments of visual acuity, refraction, and corneal topography.
Findings:
- No surgical complications were reported.
- All treated eyes demonstrated a significant improvement of at least three lines in uncorrected visual acuity.
- Spectacle-corrected visual acuity was maintained, and videokeratography indicated improved corneal centration and reduced keratometric power.
Implications:
- Conductive keratoplasty shows promise as a minimally invasive treatment for irregular hyperopic astigmatism.
- The procedure may enhance visual quality, particularly in cases with post-surgical complications like flap striae.
- Tightening the central cornea via conductive keratoplasty could be a viable strategy for managing specific refractive errors.