Astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty

The Authors retrospectively evaluated the evolution of corneal astigmatism 6, 12 and 24 months after penetrating keratoplasty in 75 eyes by comparing 2 suture techniques: running suture (RS) in 14 cases vs interrupted suture (IS) in 61 cases. The mean keratometric astigmatism in patients with RS was 7.75 ± 3.10 D at 6 months, 5.89 ± 2.50 D at 12 months and 3.90 ± 1.70 D at 24 months. In patients with IS these values were 4.82 ± 4.00 D at 6 months, 2.81 ± 1.60 D at 12 months and 2.77 ± 1.34 D at 24 months. A significant lower astigmatism (P < 0.05) was noted after using IS at 6 and 12 months. At 24 months, however, this difference was no longer statistically significant (P > 0.3). The IS suture allowed a better control ot the post-surgical astigmatism, and a more rapid recovery of the visual acuity.