Results of a graded relaxing incision technique for post keratoplasty astigmatism

A technique of graded relaxing incisions and compression sutures was performed for correction of post keratoplasty astigmatism in six patients who were spectacle and contact lens intolerant. Correction was achieved in all six patients after surgery, five with spectacles and one with a contact lens. Keratometric astigmatism decreased from an average of 9.63 diopters preoperatively to 2.17 D postoperatively, a reduction of 7.46 D, or 77%. Up to 13.50 D of correction was obtained. In general, the effect of surgery progressed from 1 week to 3 months postoperatively, and regressed from 3 to 6 months. Complications included perforation in two patients, one requiring suturing and application of tissue adhesive, and graft reaction in two patients. Although the number of patients is small, it appears that this technique can successfully reduce post keratoplasty astigmatism, even in excess of 10 D.