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Arcuate keratotomy to correct naturally occurring astigmatism
1Department of Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Arcuate keratotomy (AK) effectively corrects astigmatism, showing significant refractive cylinder reduction. This surgical method is safe and improves uncorrected visual acuity in patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Refractive Surgery
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Astigmatism is a common refractive error.
- Surgical correction of astigmatism is an area of ongoing research.
- Arcuate keratotomy (AK) is a surgical technique used to modify corneal curvature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of arcuate keratotomy (AK) for correcting naturally occurring astigmatism.
- To assess complications associated with AK.
- To analyze refractive and keratometric changes following AK procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 25 eyes from 15 patients with naturally occurring astigmatism.
- Patients underwent AK alone or combined with radial keratotomy (RK).
- Vector analysis was used to assess astigmatic changes at 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively, with a minimum 24-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- 40% of eyes had AK only; 60% had both AK and RK.
- 84% of eyes required redeepening of original incisions.
- Significant reduction in refractive cylinder was observed: mean reduction of 3.30 D (AK alone) and 2.71 D (AK and RK) at 2 years.
- All patients experienced improved uncorrected visual acuity postoperatively.
Conclusions:
- Arcuate keratotomy is a safe and effective surgical option for correcting naturally occurring astigmatism.
- The procedure leads to significant reduction in astigmatic error.
- Further long-term analysis of patient outcomes is planned.