Long-term stability of keratometric astigmatism after limbal relaxing incisions.

PURPOSE: To study the keratometric stability of limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) performed during cataract surgery.

SETTING: Princess Royal University Hospital, Kent, United Kingdom.

DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

METHODS: Medical notes of patients who had small-incision cataract surgery combined with LRIs between November 2006 and December 2010 were reviewed. Keratometric astigmatism was measured using Scheimpflug pachymetry (Pentacam). Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was calculated using the Astig Plot application.

RESULTS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients were evaluated. The median keratometric astigmatism preoperatively and 2 weeks, 10 weeks, and 3 years postoperatively was 2.1 diopters (D) (interquartile range [IQR], 1.7 to 2.4 D), 1.3 D (IQR, 0.9 to 2.1 D), 1.2 D (IQR, 0.5 to 1.7 D), and 1.0 D (IQR, 0.7 to 1.4 D), respectively. There were no significant differences in keratometric astigmatism between 2 weeks and 10 weeks postoperatively (P=.35) or between 10 weeks and 3 years postoperatively (P=.72). The median SIA 2 weeks, 10 weeks, and 3 years postoperatively was 2.2 D (IQR, 1.6 to 4.1 D), 2.1 D (IQR, 1.2 to 2.7 D), and 1.8 D (IQR, 1.2 to 2.5 D), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in SIA between 2 weeks and 10 weeks postoperatively (P=.002) but not between 10 weeks and 3 years postoperatively (P=.72).

CONCLUSION: The keratometric effects of LRIs were stable from 10 weeks to 3 years postoperatively.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Borasio is the creator of Astig Plot. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.