Astigmatism Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Astigmatism, including details on cornea, retina, treatment, types, signs, tests.

Long-term refractive stability following combined astigmatic keratotomy and phakoemulsification.

Kulkarni A, Mataftsi A, Sharma A, Kalhoro A, Horgan S

Royal Eye Unit, Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT2 7QB, UK, aviakulkarni@gmail.com.

Background To determine whether combined astigmatic keratotomy and cataract surgery induces a sustained reduction in astigmatism. Methods Patients who had previously undergone combined cataract surgery and astigmatic keratotomy for naturally occurring astigmatism were identified and their notes reviewed. Mean final follow-up was 34 months (30-42 months). Fourteen eyes of 11 patients were eligible for study. Arcuate corneal incisions had been employed using the Buzard nomogram. Using power vector analysis, the post-operative refractive change at 6 months and final follow-up was determined. Results The mean preoperative manifest cylindrical refractive error was 2.88 D (1.50-5.50 D). The mean postoperative manifest cylindrical refractive error was 1.89 and 1.79 D at 6 months and final follow-up, respectively. Power vector analysis demonstrated a significant postoperative reduction in refractive blur at 6 months and final follow-up (P = 0.006, P = 0.004, respectively): mean preoperative blur strength was 2.90 D and mean postoperative blur strength was 1.33 and 1.25 D at 6 months and final follow-up, respectively. Sustained postoperative reduction in astigmatism was noted in 12 of 14 eyes at final follow-up. Conclusions Astigmatic keratotomy is a well-established treatment for astigmatism. In this series, the refractive benefit from combined astigmatic keratotomy and cataract surgery is maintained for several years. No surgical complications were observed.

Published 14 December 2007 in Int Ophthalmol.
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