Postkeratoplasty astigmatism control. Single continuous suture adjustment versus selective interrupted suture removal

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Postkeratoplasty astigmatism is a common complication affecting visual outcomes.
• Managing astigmatism after corneal transplantation is crucial for visual rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of two distinct suturing techniques in managing postkeratoplasty astigmatism.
• To evaluate the impact of suturing methods on suture manipulations and time to optical stability.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of two suturing techniques: combined continuous and interrupted sutures (CCIS) versus a single continuous suture (SCS).
• CCIS involved selective suture removal, while SCS allowed for postoperative adjustment at the slit lamp.
• Comparison of postoperative astigmatism, number of suture manipulations, and time to optical stability between the two groups.

Main Results:

• The single continuous suture (SCS) technique resulted in significantly less postoperative astigmatism (1.5 +/- 1.1 D) compared to CCIS (3.2 +/- 1.9 D).
• SCS technique required fewer suture manipulations per patient (0.9 +/- 0.7) versus CCIS (3.8 +/- 1.8).
• Optical stability for visual rehabilitation was achieved earlier with SCS (2.6 +/- 1.5 months) than with CCIS (9.6 +/- 4.7 months) (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Adjustable single continuous sutures offer an improved method for early control of postkeratoplasty astigmatism.
• The SCS technique demonstrates advantages in reducing astigmatism, minimizing interventions, and accelerating visual recovery.
• This technique may enhance patient outcomes following keratoplasty.