Argon laser suturotomy: a technique for the correction of surgically induced astigmatism

We prospectively studied 40 eyes with intraocular lenses and astigmatism of 4 or more diopters to evaluate the efficacy and safety of argon laser suture ablation as contrasted with surgical suture removal. Two groups of 10 eyes underwent argon laser suturotomy (ALS) 4 and 6 weeks, respectively, after surgery. Sutures were removed surgically in a third group of 10 eyes 6 weeks after surgery. The final group of 10 eyes served as controls. Serial keratometry and refraction demonstrated that ALS was as effective as surgical suture removal in reducing postoperative astigmatism, and complications associated with the procedure were negligible.