Abstract:

Purpose: To evaluate the refractive and visual outcome of lens extraction or cataract surgery combined with limbal relaxing insicion in keratoconic eyes Method: This study included 18 keratoconic eyes of 12 patients who underwent lens extraction or cataract surgery combined with limbal relaxing insicion. Changes in the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), and cylindrical error were assessed. Results: The preoperative mean SE was -8.87 ± 6.97 diopters (D) and this number improved to -2.27 ± 1.48 D at the last visit. The refractive astigmatisms were significantly reduced from -4.65 ± 1.68 D to -2.40 ± 1.8 D (p < 0.001). The mean surgically induced astigmatism, calculated by a vector analysis, was 1.93 ± 1.57 D. The mean preoperative steepest meridian keratometry reading (K1) value was 52.97 ± 5.1 D, which decreased to 50.96 ± 4.5 D at the last visit (p < 0.001). The mean logMAR CDVA improved from 0.71 ± 0.39 to 0.24 ± 0.18 (p < 0.001). The CDVA was achieved with spectacles, and no patients needed to return to rigid contact lenses. Conclusion: Limbal relaxing insicion combined with lens extraction or cataract surgery can be used effectively to decrease irregular astigmatism. This technique improves corrected and uncorrected visual acuity by decreasing both spherical and cylindrical error in keratoconic eyes, and thus reduces dependency on contact lenses.

Keywords: