Related Experiment Videos
Irregular astigmatism after radial and astigmatic keratotomy
P J McDonnell1, P J Caroline, J Salz
1Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 15, 1989
Summary
Patients developed irregular astigmatism after myopic astigmatism surgery. This resulted in decreased vision with glasses and challenges with contact lens fitting, impacting overall visual acuity.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Refractive Error Correction
Background:
- Crossed incisions for myopic astigmatism correction can lead to significant irregular corneal astigmatism.
- This complication affects visual outcomes and the feasibility of standard visual rehabilitation methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the visual outcomes and management challenges in patients with irregular astigmatism post-myopic astigmatism surgery.
- To assess the effectiveness of spectacles and contact lenses in correcting vision in these compromised corneas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 11 eyes from 6 patients referred for irregular astigmatism management.
- Assessment of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with spectacles and contact lenses.
- Evaluation of corneal topography for distortion and its impact on contact lens wear.
Main Results:
- Moderate to marked irregular corneal astigmatism was observed, particularly flattening at incision sites.
- A decrease in BCVA with spectacles was noted in all patients.
- Contact lenses improved BCVA in most eyes, but fitting was problematic in two patients due to corneal distortion, limiting visual potential.
Conclusions:
- Crossed incisions for myopic astigmatism can result in significant irregular astigmatism and reduced visual acuity.
- While contact lenses can offer some visual improvement, corneal distortion poses a challenge for successful wear and optimal vision rehabilitation.