Modified Ruiz procedure for reducing high astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To evaluate the refractive, keratometric, and visual outcomes of a modified Ruiz procedure in patients with high astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with 26 eyes of 24 patients. A modified Ruiz incision pattern was used. Two paired arcuate incisions, centered on the preoperative cylinder axis, were performed over 2 o'clock hours (60 degrees) within the graft. The median optical zone was 4.5 mm (range, 3-5 mm). Subsequently, 4 radial cuts were made. The depth of all cuts was 90%-95% of the central corneal thickness. The follow-up time was 3 months. RESULTS: The mean preoperative subjective cylinder was 8.75 +/- 3.05 D, decreasing to 5.31 +/- 3.12 D postoperatively. Three months after the procedure, 53.8% of the eyes had <5.0 D of refractive astigmatism and 47% of eyes had <5.0 D of keratometric astigmatism. For the refractive data, the mean correction index was 1.95; the mean index of success was 1.27. The mean reduction in spherical equivalent was 1.95 D (60.5%). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.61 and did not change significantly. Three eyes gained 2 or more lines of BCVA, and 1 eye lost 2 or more lines of BCVA. There was no difference in subgroup analysis of eyes treated with 4- (13 eyes) or 5-mm (12 eyes) optical zones. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Ruiz procedure is an effective method to reduce high astigmatism after PKP. However, the results were widely scattered, and the patients need to be informed about the unpredictable outcome and its consequences.     

Use of large optical zones with the LADARVision laser for myopia and myopic astigmatism

PURPOSE: To analyze the visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and target deviations of patients who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for spherical and astigmatic myopia with up to 8.0-mm laser optical zones. DESIGN: A retrospective noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred fifty-two eyes of 186 patients in a refractive surgery practice. METHODS: Chart review of consecutive patients who underwent LASIK for spherical and astigmatic myopia with the Autonomous LADARVision excimer laser. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The preoperative and the 3-month postoperative visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, as well as the target deviation, were assessed for each eye. The change in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), best spectacle-corrected contrast sensitivity (BSCCS), and target deviation were analyzed by size of optical zone. RESULTS: For spherical myopes, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/20 or better in 55.7% of eyes. The mean deviation from target was -0.19 +/- 0.64 diopters (D), with 75.3% within +/-0.50 D of the target. None of the eyes lost more than two lines of BSCVA. A loss of three or more patches (levels) of BSCCS was seen in 2.7% of eyes, whereas a loss of four or more patches of BSCCS was seen in 1.1%. For astigmatic myopes, UCVA was 20/20 or better in 61.9% of eyes. The mean deviation from target was -0.17 +/- 0.55 D, with 67.5% within +/-0.50 D of the target. No eye lost more than two lines of BSCVA. A loss of three or more patches of BSCCS was seen in 4.3% of eyes, whereas a loss of four or more patches of BSCCS was seen in 1.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Larger optical diameters did not adversely affect BSCVA and BSCCS. Postoperative target deviation with the nomogram used was accurate with larger optical zones.     

Limbal relaxing incisions for primary mixed astigmatism and mixed astigmatism after cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) in the treatment of primary mixed astigmatism and mixed astigmatism after cataract surgery. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, In?nü University, Malatya, Turkey. METHODS: Limbal relaxing incisions were performed to correct astigmatism in 37 eyes of 26 patients with mixed astigmatism. Twenty-four eyes had primary astigmatism, and 13 eyes had astigmatism after cataract surgery. The length, number, and depth of the incisions were determined using the Gills and Gayton nomogram. The manifest refractive astigmatism was measured preoperatively and 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Surgically induced astigmatism using the vector method, preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) were evaluated. Follow-up was at least 6 months in all cases. RESULTS: The mean preoperative and postoperative refractive astigmatism was 3.31 diopters (D) +/- 1.50 (SD) and 1.59 +/- 1.28 D, respectively (P <.001). The mean absolute change in refractive astigmatism was 1.72 +/- 0.81 D. No patient lost lines of UCVA or BSCVA. The safety index was 1.21 and the efficacy index, 0.88. The mean preoperative and postoperative UCVA was 0.29 +/- 0.22 and 0.54 +/- 0.31, respectively (P =.0001) and the mean BSCVA, 0.61 +/- 0.30 and 0.74 +/- 0.30, respectively (P =.0001). The mean vectorial magnitude was 2.32 +/- 1.36 D at the last follow-up. There were no serious postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Limbal relaxing incisions are a simple, safe, and effective method to correct primary mixed astigmatism and mixed astigmatism after cataract surgery.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia up to -11 diopters with up to -5 diopters of astigmatism with the summit autonomous LADARVision excimer laser system

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and effectiveness of the Summit Autonomous LADARVision active tracking narrow beam excimer laser system for laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) correction of myopia and astigmatism. DESIGN: A multicenter, prospective noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: This cohort consisted of 177 eyes corrected for spherical myopia up to -11 diopters (D) and 170 eyes corrected for myopia up to -11 D spherical equivalent with astigmatism up to -5 D. INTERVENTION: Treatments were performed at four sites in the United States using a 6-mm optic zone for spherical myopes and a 5.5-mm optic zone with a 1-mm blend for astigmats. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, subjective refraction, vector analysis, subject satisfaction, intraocular pressure, complications, and adverse reactions. RESULTS: Six-month follow-up was available on 157 spherical eyes and 113 astigmatic eyes. For spherical myopes, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/20 or better in 60.5%, 20/25 or better in 80.3%, and 20/40 or better in 93.9%. The mean spherical equivalent was -0.29 +/- 0.45 D with 75.2% +/- 0.50 D and 94.9% +/- 1.00 D of intended. A loss of two lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) occurred in 0.6%, and no eyes lost greater than two lines of BSCVA. For astigmatic myopes, UCVA was 20/20 or better in 52.0%, 20/25 or better in 74.5%, and 20/40 or better in 94.1%. The mean spherical equivalent was -0.23 +/- 0.49 D with 75.2% +/- 0.50 D and 95.6% +/- 1.00 D of intended. A loss of two lines of BSCVA occurred in 0.9%, and no eyes lost greater than two lines of BSCVA. Vector analysis showed that 99% of the intended cylinder was corrected on average with a mean angle of error of 4.2 degrees. Refractive stability was achieved between 1 and 3 months in 97.5% of spherical eyes and 99.4% of astigmatic eyes and confirmed between 3 and 6 months in 100% of both spherical and astigmatic eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes treated for myopia up to -11 D of spherical equivalent with or without astigmatism up to -5 D show early refractive stability, good UCVA outcomes, no significant loss of BSCVA, accurate correction of astigmatism, and slight undercorrection without a change from the photorefractive keratectomy algorithm and with a single treatment.     

LASIK for myopia with the Zeiss meditec MEL 80

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate a new high-speed, small spot-scanner laser for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive eyes with myopia and myopic astigmatism between -1.00 and -8.25 diopters (D) and up to -2.75 D astigmatism underwent LASIK treatment using the MEL 80 laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). Parameters evaluated were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), residual refractive error, regression of correction, and aberrometry. RESULTS: Mean preoperative BSCVA was 20/20, which improved to 20/18 postoperatively. Postoperative UCVA was 20/20 at 1 month and 20/18 at 1 year. Uncorrected visual acuity > or = 20/20 was achieved in 58 (83%) of 70 eyes at 1 month and in 60 (88%) of 68 eyes at 1 year. The average refractive error before LASIK was -4.41 +/- 1.98 D. The mean residual refractive error was 0.14 +/- 0.31 D at 1 month and 0.13 +/- 0.30 D at 1 year. At 1-month and 1-year follow-up, respectively, 66 (94%) of 70 eyes and 65 (96%) of 68 eyes were within +/- 0.50 D of intended refractive correction. No eye lost two lines. At 1 month 17% of eyes and at 1 year 13% of eyes gained two lines or more. Between 1-month and 1-year follow-up, 100% of eyes were stable. Mean root-mean-square high order aberration changed from 0.20 microm preoperatively to 0.28 microm postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The MEL 80 is effective and safe in the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism.     

Toric phakic intraocular lens for the correction of hyperopia and astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the Artisan toric phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) for the correction of hyperopia and astigmatism. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and Department of Ophthalmology, Sint Truiden, Belgium. METHODS: In this prospective study of 47 eyes of 28 patients with hyperopia and astigmatism, Artisan toric pIOLs were implanted between April 1999 and June 2004. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity, refraction, astigmatism, safety, and predictability were analyzed. Change in astigmatism was analyzed with vector analysis. Refractive cylinders are expressed in minus form. RESULTS: Mean preoperative spherical equivalent was +4.33 diopters (D) +/- 2.26 (SD). Mean follow-up was 11.1 months (range 6 to 36 months). A gain of 1 or more lines in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was seen in 36.2%. Safety index and efficacy index after 6 months were 1.06 and 0.87, respectively. The mean postoperative astigmatism at 6 months was 0.19 D at an axis of 144 degrees. At 6 months, about three quarters (76.6%) of the eyes had a UCVA of 20/40 or better. One eye lost 2 lines of BSCVA. In 1 eye, the lens position had to be changed because of a large axis misalignment. No serious complications developed in any of the treated eyes during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Artisan toric pIOLs can correct moderate to high hyperopia combined with astigmatism with good refractive results. In this study, there were no serious complications. However, the predictability of the refractive results appeared to be lower than those in the correction of myopia and astigmatism with toric Artisan lenses.     

Mechanized astigmatic arcuate keratotomy with the Hanna arcitome for astigmatism after keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To report the results of correction of post-keratoplasty astigmatism by arcuate keratotomy performed with the Hanna arcitome (Moria). SETTING: Service 5, H?pital des 15-20, Paris VI University, Paris, France. METHODS: Forty eyes operated on for post-keratoplasty astigmatism using the Hanna arcitome were retrospectively studied. Paired symmetrical arcuate keratotomies were performed on the graft button. Mean follow-up was 10.8 months +/- 11.2 (SD). Outcome measures included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and subjective refraction. For statistical analysis, visual acuity data were transformed into logMAR units. The refractive data were analyzed using the Alpins method. RESULTS: By a mean of 10.8 +/- 11.2 months after surgery, the UCVA had improved a mean of 0.28 +/- 0.46 lines, which was significant (P = .013). The BSCVA remained stable. The mean subjective cylinder was 8.84 +/- 3.00 diopters (D) preoperatively and 4.88 +/- 2.50 D postoperatively (P<.001). The changes in postoperative subjective cylinder values correlated with preoperative cylinder values (r(s) = 0.584; P<.0001). The subjective axis was modified by 20 degrees or less in 27 eyes (67.5%). The mean surgically induced astigmatism was 8.07 +/- 3.83 D and the mean correction index, 0.96 +/- 0.46. One microperforation occurred and required suturing. Incisions were off center in 1 case, and 2 patients had an allograft rejection after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Arcuate keratotomy performed with the Hanna arcitome was effective in reducing post-keratoplasty astigmatism. The device enabled safer, easier arcuate incisions than with manual techniques. However, predictability and efficacy could be improved by a more accurate nomogram.     

Topography-guided ablation for treatment of patients with irregular astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the customized aspheric treatment zone (CATz) topography-guided ablation for the correction of irregular astigmatism induced by initial corneal refractive surgery or corneal injury. METHODS: CATz ablation was performed on 32 eyes of 28 patients. Each procedure was performed by photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or LASIK using a NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser. The eyes had decentered ablations, small optical zones, decreased best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and asymmetrical astigmatism. Subjective symptoms, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), BSCVA, refraction, corneal topography, and higher order aberrations were measured. Mean follow-up was 161.9 +/- 129.9 days (range: 90 to 492 days). RESULTS: Data obtained at final postoperative follow-up show that UCVA and BSCVA increased by > or = 2 lines after CATz ablation in 17 and 11 eyes and decreased in 4 and 2 eyes, respectively. Higher order aberrations were decreased in 16 eyes and increased in 1 eye. Topographical maps were improved with decreased surface regularity index (20 eyes) and surface asymmetry index (22 eyes). Seven eyes required further enhancement for residual refractive errors. Thirteen patients (15 eyes) claimed they were satisfied with the outcome, 6 patients (7 eyes) stated that the outcome was lower than expected, and 4 patients (4 eyes) stated they were dissatisfied. CONCLUSIONS: CATz topographic ablation effectively improves the quality of vision and symptoms in the majority of patients with irregular corneal astigmatism from previous excimer laser refractive surgery. However, residual or induced refractive errors may need to be corrected with a second operation after CATz.     

LASIK in children with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of LASIK for hyperopia in pediatric eyes with amblyopia resulting from anisometropia. METHODS: Thirty-two children with anisometropic amblyopia in whom conventional therapy was unsuccessful underwent unilateral LASIK between 1999 and 2005. Mean patient age was 10.3 +/- 3.1 years (range: 4 to 15 years), and mean follow-up was 20.1 +/- 15.1 months (range: 12 to 60 months). At the last follow-up examination, spherical equivalent refraction, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean preoperative and postoperative manifest spherical equivalent refraction of the treated eyes was 5.17 +/- 1.65 and 1.39 +/- 1.21 diopters (D), respectively (P < .01). Mean UCVA was 0.06 +/- 0.09 (range: 0.01 to 0.5) preoperatively and 0.27 +/- 0.23 (range: 0.05 to 0.8) postoperatively (P < .01). Mean BSCVA was 0.20 +/- 0.17 (range: 0.01 to 0.8) preoperatively and 0.35 +/- 0.25 (range: 0.1 to 1.0) postoperatively (P < .01). Six eyes gained > or = 4 lines of BSCVA, 4 eyes gained 2 to 3 lines, 12 eyes gained 1 line, and 9 eyes were unchanged; only 1 eye lost 1 line of BSCVA due to haze in the flap-stroma interface. None of the patients reported halos or glare. There were no intraoperative or postoperative flap complications. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK seems to be an effective and safe procedure for the management of hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia in select cases. Visual acuity improved in the amblyopic eyes and was associated with decreased anisometropia. The refractive response to hyperopic LASIK in children appears to be similar to that of adults with comparable refractive errors.     

Intraoperative arcuate transverse keratotomy with phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of paired intraoperative arcuate transverse keratotomy at a 7-mm-diameter zone along with a 3.5-mm clear corneal phaco tunnel in the steeper axis to correct pre-existing astigmatism. METHODS: A prospective randomized case-control study was conducted on 34 eyes of 28 patients with immature senile cataract. They were divided into two groups; in one group (17 eyes) intraoperative arcuate keratotomy was coupled with phacoemulsification in the steeper meridian (arcuate keratotomy group; mean preoperative astigmatism 2.28 +/- 0.89 D) and the other group (17 eyes) phacoemulsification was performed in the steeper meridian without arcuate keratotomy (control group; mean preoperative astigmatism 2.04 +/- 0.50 D). The patients were examined at 1 day, and 1, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. Correction of keratometric astigmatism, surgically induced refractive changes, magnitude and axis of cylinder, spherical equivalent refraction, with and against the wound change, and coupling ratio were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean reduction in keratometric astigmatism in the keratotomy group was 1.26 +/- 0.54 D (P = .0067) and in the control group was 0.48 +/- 0.60 D (P = .0423). The difference in reduction of keratometric astigmatism between the two groups was statistically significant (P = .0296). Surgically induced refractive change at 8 weeks follow-up was 2.15 +/- 1.13 D in the keratotomy group and 1.50 +/- 1.32 D in the control group (P = .046). Coupling ratio was -1.10 +/- 0.43 in the keratotomy group at 8 weeks after surgery while the control group was -0.82 +/- 0.38. CONCLUSION: A combination of intraoperative arcuate keratotomy with steep axis phacoemulsification incision is more effective than steep axis phacoemulsification incision alone in reducing pre-existing astigmatism.     

LASIK for post penetrating keratoplasty astigmatism and myopia

AIMS: To report the results of a series of patients who were treated with LASIK to correct post penetrating keratoplasty ametropia. METHODS: 26 eyes of 24 patients underwent LASIK to correct astigmatism and myopia after corneal transplantation; 14 eyes also received arcuate cuts in the stromal bed at the time of surgery. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -5.20D and the mean preoperative astigmatism was 8.67D. RESULTS: The results of 25 eyes are reported. The mean 1 month values for spherical equivalent and astigmatism were -0.24D and 2.48D respectively. 18 eyes have been followed up for 6 months or more. The final follow up results for these eyes are -1.91D and 2.92D for spherical equivalent and astigmatism. The patients undergoing arcuate cuts were less myopic but had greater astigmatism than those not. The patients receiving arcuate cuts had a greater target induced astigmatism, surgically induced astigmatism, and astigmatism correction index than those eyes that did not. One eye suffered a surgical complication. No eyes lost more than one line of BSCVA and all eyes gained between 0 and 6 lines UCVA. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK after penetrating keratoplasty is a relatively safe and effective procedure. It reduces both the spherical error and the cylindrical component of the ametropia. Correction of high astigmatism may be augmented by performing arcuate cuts in the stromal bed.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia with the LADARVision 4000 with centration on the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex

PURPOSE: To analyze the visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and target deviations in patients who had laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for primary hyperopia with the ablation centered on the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex. SETTING: University-based refractive surgery practice. METHODS: Retrospective review comprised 37 consecutive patients (61 eyes) who had LASIK for hyperopia with the LADARVision 4000 excimer laser (Alcon Laboratories). Preoperative and 3-month postoperative visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, as well as the target deviation, were assessed for each eye. The change in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), best spectacle-corrected contrast sensitivity (BSCCS), and target deviation from the intended correction were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 20/20 or better in 44.4% of eyes. The mean deviation from target was +0.25 diopter (D) +/- 0.82 (SD), with 65.6% of eyes within +/-0.50 D of target. None eye lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA. A loss of 3 or more patches of BSCCS were seen in 6.6% of the eyes and a loss of 4 or more patches, in 1.6%. CONCLUSION: Hyperopic LASIK with LADARVision 4000 with the ablation zone centered on the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex did not adversely affect BSCVA and BSCCS.     

Custom-designed toric phakic intraocular lenses to correct high corneal astigmatism

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of a custom-designed posterior chamber toric phakic intraocular lens (PIOL). METHODS: A 40-year-old woman with high astigmatism and thin corneas underwent bilateral PIOL implantation with the toric Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) custom-designed and manufactured by STAAR Surgical. The appropriate toric ICL power was calculated to be -8.00 +8.00 x 96 degrees for the right eye and -8.50 +7.50 x 86 degrees for the left eye. Optical zone was 5.5 mm and 6.875 mm at the corneal plane. RESULTS: At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) of both eyes had improved to 20/20 and 20/16, respectively. At 19 months, UCVA was 20/20 and 20/16 in the right and left eyes, respectively, and BSCVA had improved to 20/16 and 20/10, respectively. The subjective refraction was stable, with a change of -0.37 +/- 0.17 D from preoperative to 19 months postoperatively. Throughout the postoperative period, iridotomies remained patent and the corneas were clear. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral implantation of the custom-designed toric ICL successfully corrected the patient's high astigmatism. Preoperative subjective refractive cylinder of -5.25 x 6 degrees in the right eye and -5 x 176 degrees in the left eye changed to -0.5 x 77 degrees and -0.5 x 115 degrees, respectively, after toric IOL implantation. There was almost no change in corneal astigmatism. This customized approach led to UCVA of 20/20 in the right eye and 20/16 in the left eye, and BSCVA of 20/16 in the right eye and 20/10 in the left eye. This is the first report of a toric PIOL being specifically manufactured to meet the refractive cylinder requirements of a specific patient.     

Laser in situ keratomileusis for primary and secondary mixed astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy, predictability, and safety of LASIK in the correction of primary and secondary mixed astigmatism after previous LASIK surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative case series. METHODS: The retrospective study included 118 eyes having LASIK with the LADARVison 4000 excimer laser (Alcon Surgical, Orlando, Florida) to correct mixed astigmatism. The eyes were divided into two groups: in group A (n = 64), LASIK was for primary mixed astigmatism and in group B (n = 54), LASIK was for secondary mixed astigmatism. Mean follow-up was 10.6 +/- 5.90 months. RESULTS: Overall, the postoperative UCVA was 20/20 in 51% of eyes and 20/40 or better in 97% of eyes at the last visit. The mean refractive cylinder was -2.18 +/- 0.94 D preoperatively and -0.56 +/- 0.56 D postoperatively. Sixty-one percent of eyes had a refractive cylinder of 0.50 D or less. One eye lost 2 lines of BSCVA (0.8%). None of the eyes had postoperative BSCVA worse than 20/25. The difference of preoperative cylinder was significant between group A and group B (P = .000). However, there was no statistical difference of postoperative refraction and UCVA between these two groups. At 12 months, the mean vector magnitude achieved was 93% of intended cylinder correction with a mean angle of error of -3.0 +/- 16 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK is a safe, effective, and predictable procedure to treat both primary and secondary mixed astigmatism. Nomogram adjustment with spherical and astigmatism components individually may improve refractive outcomes.     

Effect of pterygium surgery on corneal topography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of successful pterygium surgery on corneal topography. METHODS: Computerized corneal topography was performed on 20 eyes with pterygium before and 3 months after successful excision and limbo-conjunctival autograft surgery. Corneal shape, corneal spherical power, simulated keratometric astigmatism, surface regularity index (SRI), and surface asymmetry index (SAI) were assessed before and after surgery. Pre- and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Changes in corneal shape were mainly a decrease in midline corneal flattening. Corneal spherical power was 41.65+/-3.29 diopters (D) (mean +/- SD) preoperatively and 44.58+/-1.55 D postoperatively (p=0.04). Simulated keratometric astigmatism was 5.47+/-3.45 D preoperatively and 1.79+/-1.52 D postoperatively (p=0.0005). SRI was 1.39+/-0.93 preoperatively and 1.10+/-0.57 postoperatively (p=0.03). SAI was 1.17+/-1.09 preoperatively and 0.75+/-0.73 postoperatively (p=0.02). UCVA was 0.31+/-0.33 preoperatively and 0.52+/-0.32 postoperatively (p=0.04). BSCVA was 0.73+/-0.20 preoperatively and 0.89+/-0.16 postoperatively (p=0.008). MRSE was -0.54+/-3.29 D preoperatively and -1.30+/-3.05 D postoperatively (p=0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal topographic changes caused by the pterygium are almost reversible after surgical treatment. Successful pterygium surgery significantly reduces topographic astigmatism, SRI, SAI, and corneal flattening. However, precise prediction of these refractive changes is not always accurate.     

Nomogram adjustment of laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia and myopic astigmatism with the Alcon LADARVision system

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual and refractive results of conventional (non-wavefront) laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism using the Alcon LADARVision 4000 excimer laser system and nomogram adjustment techniques. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 499 eyes that had LASIK for myopia and myopic astigmatism was performed. Preoperative manifest spherical equivalent refraction ranged from -0.43 to -6.00 D and preoperative astigmatism ranged from 0 to -4.75 D. Patients were evaluated during 3 months following surgery. RESULTS: One month after surgery, 72% of eyes examined (298/415 eyes) had uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better. Three months after surgery, 83% of eyes examined (216/261 eyes) had UCVA of 20/20 or better. One and three months after surgery, 82% and 83% of eyes, respectively, were within +/-0.50 D of attempted correction; 97% of eyes were within +/-1.00 D at both 1 and 3 months. No eye lost more than 1 line of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) at 3 months after surgery. At the 3-month examination, 83% of eyes had UCVA better than or equal to preoperative BSCVA. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional LASIK to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism was safe and effective using the Alcon LADARVision 4000 excimer laser system. Outcomes were substantially improved throughout development of an accurate nomogram, derived from continually updated regression analysis of previous refractive results.     

Peripheral corneal relaxing incisions after excimer laser refractive surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of peripheral corneal relaxing incisions (PCRIs) for correcting corneal astigmatism after excimer laser refractive surgery. SETTING: Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. METHODS: In this retrospective case series, PCRIs were performed in 33 eyes (30 patients) that had residual astigmatism after photorefractive keratectomy or laser in situ keratomileusis according to a nomogram based on age and preoperative refractive astigmatism. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and refractive and keratometric astigmatism were evaluated, and vector analysis using the Holladay-Cravy-Koch formula was performed. RESULTS: The percentage of eyes with a UCVA of 20/20 or better increased significantly from 6% (2/33) preoperatively to 61% (20/33) postoperatively (P<.001). Refractive astigmatism was reduced significantly, and the effect was stable up to 1 year after PCRIs. The percentage of eyes within +/-0.5 diopter (D) and +/-1.0 D of cylinder increased by 73% and 52%, respectively (both P<.001). No eye lost 1 or more lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. CONCLUSION: Peripheral corneal relaxing incisions are an effective approach for correcting low amounts of corneal astigmatism in eyes that have had excimer laser refractive surgery.     

Correction of presbyopia in hyperopia with a center-distance, paracentral-near technique using the Technolas 217z platform

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of hyperopic patients treated with a peripheral presbyLASIK algorithm for the correction of presbyopia. METHODS: The study included 44 eyes of 22 hyperopic patients treated with a peripheral presbyLASIK technique using a Technolas 217z excimer laser. Mean patient age was 56 years (range: 47 to 72 years), mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was +1.21 +/- 0.77 diopters (D) (range: +0.50 to +4.00 D), and mean spectacle near addition was +1.76 +/- 0.42 D (range: +1.00 to +2.75 D). The Peripheral Multifocal LASIK (PML) ablation pattern creates a multifocal corneal profile over a 6.5-mm diameter, performing the distance correction first in a 6-mm optical zone and then near correction in a 6.5-mm zone. Main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) for near and distance, spherical equivalent refraction, contrast sensitivity, and corneal aberrations. RESULTS: Six months postoperatively, mean binocular UCVA was 1.06 +/- 0.13 for distance and 0.84 +/- 0.14 for near. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -0.42 D (range: -1.12 to +0.87 D). Two (4.5%) eyes lost 1 line of BSCVA for distance and near vision, and 20 (45%) eyes gained 1 line of distance BSCVA. Contrast sensitivity decreased for 3, 6, 12, and 18 cycles/degree. Corneal aberration analysis showed a slight increase in coma and decrease in spherical aberration. CONCLUSIONS: The peripheral presbyLASIK technique used in this study is a safe and efficient treatment that may improve functional near vision in presbyopic patients with low and moderate hyperopia (from +0.50 to +3.00 D).     

Wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis retreatment for consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, predictability, and safety of wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using the Visx CustomVue excimer laser (Advanced Medical Optics) in eyes with consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism after LASIK. SETTING: Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford, California, USA. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 19 eyes of 16 patients who had wavefront-guided LASIK for consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism after initial LASIK surgery. Primary outcome variables, including uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), higher-order aberration (HOA) analysis, and spherical equivalence, were evaluated at 1 and 3 months. Nine eyes of 7 patients were available for all visits. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 51.7 years +/- 3.77 (SD) (range 44 to 55 years). The mean preoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) was 0.99 +/- 0.32 diopters (D) (range 0.50 to 1.50 D) and the mean 3-month postoperative MRSE, -0.04 +/- 0.66 D (range -1.50 to 0.75 D). At 1 month, 57.9% of eyes had a UCVA of 20/20 or better and 78.9% of 20/25 or better; 84.2% were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia. At 3 months, 66.7% of eyes had a UCVA of 20/20 or better and 88.9% of 20/25 or better; 88.9% were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia. No eye lost 2 or more lines of BSCVA at 1 or 3 months. CONCLUSION: Wavefront-guided LASIK was an effective, predictable, and safe procedure for consecutive hyperopia and compound hyperopic astigmatism after LASIK.     

Two-step LASIK with topography-guided ablation to correct astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy, predictability, stability, and safety of a two-step LASIK procedure using topography-guided ablation to correct astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS: Fifteen eyes of 15 patients underwent a two-step LASIK procedure at the Maggiore Hospital of Bologna, Italy. In the first step, a flap was created using the Hansatome microkeratome. In the second step, topography-guided ablation using the LaserSight LSX was planned with interactive software (CIPTA) once topographical and refractive stabilization had been obtained. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), cylindrical correction, gain of lines of BSCVA, spherical equivalent refraction, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Minimum follow-up was 12 months (range: 12 to 30 months). Uncorrected visual acuity improved in all 15 (100%) eyes. At the last postoperative examination, 11 (73%) eyes had UCVA > or = 20/40. Nine (60%) eyes were within 1.0 diopter (D) of the attempted correction. Mean postoperative astigmatism was -1.67 (range: -3.5 to 0; standard deviation: 1.26). Index of success of astigmatic correction was 0.26. No patient lost Snellen lines of BSCVA. Intraoperative complications included two buttonhole flaps, and postoperative complications included one flap retraction. No further laser treatment was needed. CONCLUSIONS: The two-step LASIK procedure using topography-guided ablation reduces spherical and cylindrical refractive error due to penetrating keratoplasty. Topography-guided ablation also proved to be effective in correcting irregular astigmatism.