[Surgical correction of astigmatism after wedge resection keratoplasty].

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the results of astigmatism correction after keratoplasty using wedge resection technique.

METHODS

Eleven patients underwent a wedge resection for postkeratoplasty astigmatism. The average postoperative astigmatism was 13.9 diopters (range 11.0 to 17.0 D). Among the patients there were 5 women and 6 men, aged 25 to 70 years. All of the grafts were in static phase, after suture removal. The indications for keratoplasty were: keratoconus--8, pseudophakic and aphakic corneal edema--3. The follow-up period after wedge resection was 6 to 24 months. The astigmatism was evaluated by videokeratometer (ORC Masterviue Ultra).

RESULTS

Postoperatively, the average astigmatism was 7.25 D by 6 months, 8.1 D by 12 months, 8.45 D by 24 months. The visual acuity corrected with spectacles was 0.2 to 1.0. 8 patients (72.7%) gained better visual acuity. Complications included: 1) growing vessels through the wound, 2) delay of epithelization.

CONCLUSIONS

Wedge resection is an effective technique for managing postkeratoplasty high astigmatism.