Corneal Topography After Selective Suture Removal for Astigmatism Following Keratoplasty

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to determine whether the immediate corneal topographic changes induced by selective suture removal for astigmatism after keratoplasty were stable over time. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Computerized videokeratoscopic images were obtained prior to and immediately following suture removal in 14 patients, and then again at the next postoperative visit 4 to 6 weeks later. These images were analyzed and statistically compared for central corneal power and vector of the central 3-mm corneal astigmatism. RESULTS: Most of the topographic changes induced by suture removal occurred immediately. However, continued shifting in corneal curvature did take place over the subsequent 4 to 6 weeks. Unpredictable shifts were more pronounced in patients whose surgery had been performed more than 20 months prior to suture removal. CONCLUSION: Computerized videokeratoscopy graphically elucidates continued shifts in corneal topography following the removal of sutures for the control of astigmatism after keratoplasty.