Wound healing after astigmatic keratotomy in human eyes

The authors analyzed three full-thickness corneal buttons and two corneal scleral rims obtained 5 1/2 to 44 months after three trapezoidal keratotomies (Ruiz), one "L," and one "TL" procedure. The indications for the penetrating keratoplasty were photophobia, corneal edema, and loss of best-corrected vision after the astigmatic keratotomy procedures. Epithelial plugs were seen in all five specimens. Complete basal lamina lined the wounds in two cases. Tangential incisions of the Ruiz procedure were shallower and demonstrated more advanced wound healing than the corresponding semiradial incisions. Two of the three Ruiz procedures demonstrated peripheral separation of the semiradial incisions. Wound healing events after astigmatic keratotomy procedures appear similar to those reported previously after standard radial keratotomy with the exception that tangential incisions appear to heal faster than the semiradial incisions.