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Corneal topographic changes over time after radial keratotomy
H Moreira1, A P Fasano, J J Garbus
1Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles 90033.
Cornea
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Radial keratotomy (RK) causes non-uniform corneal flattening. Computer analysis reveals central flattening and peripheral steepening post-RK, explaining varied clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Vision Science
Background:
- Radial keratotomy (RK) is a refractive surgical procedure to correct myopia.
- RK involves radial incisions on the cornea to induce flattening.
- The resulting corneal shape changes and their regional variability are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze regional corneal curvature changes after radial keratotomy using computer-assisted topographic analysis.
- To investigate the temporal dynamics of these curvature changes in different corneal zones.
Main Methods:
- Computer-assisted topographic analysis of corneal curvature.
- Examination of human eyes at various time points after radial keratotomy surgery.
- Comparison of central, midperipheral, and peripheral corneal regions.
Main Results:
- Radial keratotomy induced non-uniform flattening of the cornea.
- The central and midperipheral cornea flattened, while the periphery steepened within 45 days.
- Initially, the central cornea was steeper than the midperiphery, but this reversed over time due to differential flattening.
Conclusions:
- Regional variability in corneal curvature after RK contributes to phenomena like multifocal lens effects.
- The observed temporal changes in corneal shape explain conflicting clinical and experimental findings.
- Understanding these dynamic, regional changes is crucial for predicting and managing outcomes of radial keratotomy.