Abstract
Purpose: :
To evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness of peripheral corneal relaxing incisions (PCRIs) for correcting naturally occurring corneal astigmatism.
Methods: :
In this retrospective case series, PCRIs were performed on 24 eyes (14 patients) with naturally occurring astigmatism, using a nomogram based on age and amount and meridian of refractive astigmatism. Preoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and refractive astigmatism were compared to postoperative values, and vector analysis using the Holladay-Cravy-Koch formula was performed.
Results: :
The percentage of eyes with an UCVA of 20/20 or better increased significantly from 0% preoperatively to 54% (13/24) postoperatively (p<.0001). Refractive astigmatism was reduced significantly from a mean of 1.66 diopters (D) to 0.46D (p<.0001), and the effect was stable up to the last follow-up visit. The percentage of eyes within +/-0.5 D and +/-1.0 D of cylinder increased by 75% and 66%, respectively (both p<.0001). One eye lost 2 lines of uncorrected visual acuity.
Conclusions: :
Peripheral corneal relaxing incisions are an effective approach for reducing naturally occurring corneal astigmatism.
Keywords: refractive surgery