[The unsolved problem of transplant astigmatism]

Irregularities of the trephine margins, donor/recipient thickness disparity and irregular suture technique are the important factors for high astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty. A combined suture technique using eight interrupted 11-0 Mersilene sutures and a single continuous 10-0 nylon suture enables to control and to remedy the final postkeratoplasty astigmatism. In 35 patients with a corneal graft a final astigmatism of 2.9 diopters was reached after removal of the continuous suture and partial leaving in place of single interrupted Mersilene sutures.