Astigmatism after corneal thermal injury

A 42-year-old woman developed significant astigmatism after localized thermal injury to the cornea during a cosmetic eyelid procedure. The induced astigmatism regressed substantially over the ensuing months. One year after the injury, astigmatic keratotomy (AK) was performed, further reducing the astigmatism and improving the patient's subjective vision. Patients with induced astigmatism from thermal corneal injury should be monitored for regression. When refractive stability is achieved, AK can reduce the remaining astigmatism. This case reviews concepts that apply to refractive thermal keratoplasty.