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Biomedical subjects

G O Waring

Publications and source records attributed to G O Waring.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Results of phase III excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for myopia. The Summit PRK Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to determine safety and efficacy outcomes of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate myopia. DESIGN: A prospective, multicenter, phase III clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 701 eyes of 701 patients were entered in the study; 612 eyes were examined at 2 years after surgery. INTERVENTION: Intervention was photorefractive keratectomy using the Summit ExciMed UV200LA excimer laser (Summit Technology, Inc., Waltham, MA). The treatment zone diameter used was 4.5 mm in 251 eyes (35.8%) and 5 mm in 450 eyes (64.2%). Attempted corrections ranged from 1.50 to 6.00 diopters (D). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predictability and stability of refraction, uncorrected and spectacle-corrected visual acuity, refractive and keratometric astigmatism, corneal haze, contrast sensitivity, subjective reported problems of glare and halo, and patient satisfaction were the parameters measured. RESULTS: At 2 years, 407 (66.5%) eyes achieved 20/20 or better uncorrected visual acuity and 564 (92.5%) eyes achieved 20/40 or better visual acuity. Three hundred thirty-six (54.9%) eyes were within 0.5 D and 476 (77.8%) eyes were within 1.0 D of attempted correction. Stability of refraction improved with time; 86.8% of eyes were stable within 1.0 D from 6 to 12 months, 94% were stable from 12 to 18 months, and 96.3% were stable from 18 to 24 months. There was no evidence of progressive or late myopic or hyperopic refractive shifts. One hundred fourteen (18.6%) eyes gained 2 or more lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity, whereas 42 (6.9%) eyes lost 2 or more lines; however, of the latter, 32 (76.2%) had spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better and 39 (92.9%) eyes had 20/40 or better. Four hundred forty-two (72.2%) corneas were clear, 138 (22.5%) showed trace haze, 20 (3.3%) mild haze, 9 (1.5%) moderate haze, and 3 (0.5%) marked haze. On patient questionnaires, 87 (29.7%) patients reported worsening of glare from preoperative baseline; 133 (50.1%) reported worsening of halo symptoms from baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Photorefractive keratectomy appears effective for myopic corrections of -1.50 to -6.00 D. Uncorrected visual acuity is maximized in most eyes by 3 months, although some patients require between 6 months and 1 year to attain their best postoperative uncorrected visual acuity and some may require from 1 to 2 years for stabilization of refraction. Refraction stabilizes progressively without evidence of late myopic or hyperopic refractive shifts. Optical sequelae of glare and halo occur in some patients treated with a 4.5- or 5-mm treatment zone.

Adult↗

Progressive nonulcerative paracentral keratolysis associated with elevated corneal metalloproteinases.

PURPOSE: We report a patient with progressive idiopathic, nonulcerative, noninflammatory, avascular, bilateral, paracentral and peripheral corneal thinning monitored for 13 years. METHODS: Because of progressive corneal thinning, the patient underwent several surgical procedures, including an arcuate lamellar keratectomy with suturing, bilateral 15-mm diameter onlay lamellar corneoscleral epikeratoplasties, and removal of interface epithelial tissue. Over time, the keratolysis also thinned the donor stroma, requiring a lamellar tectonic graft. A biopsy was performed of the patient's cornea and conjunctiva, and the tissue was analyzed for proteolytic enzymes. RESULTS: Increased quantities of matrix metalloproteinases (57 and 63 kDa) were extracted from the patient's normal-appearing and abnormal corneal samples but not from adjacent conjuctiva and sclera or normal controls. This is the first reported case with these clinical and laboratory findings. CONCLUSION: A previously undescribed progressive idiopathic paracentral keratolysis is associated with increased quantities of matrix metalloproteinases. Clinical management requires tectonic corneal surgery.

Biopsy↗

Prospective, randomized comparison of simultaneous and sequential bilateral LASIK for the correction of myopia.

PURPOSE: To study the safety and efficacy of simultaneous bilateral laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) METHODS: Data were obtained from 254 consecutive patients that were randomized to simultaneous or sequential bilateral LASIK. RESULTS: 146 patients were enrolled in the simultaneous group and 108 patients were enrolled in the sequential group. Mean follow-up was 10 months (range 6-18). There was no significant difference in intraoperative complication rate (p = 0.34), loss of two or more lines of spectacle corrected visual acuity (p = 0.9), or percentage of eyes within +/- 0.50 D of intended (p = 0.63) between simultaneous and sequential groups. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of performing bilateral simultaneous LASIK is not significantly different from that of sequential treatments.

Adolescent↗

Hydrogel intracorneal lenses in aphakic eyes.

BACKGROUND: The theoretical benefits of synthetic keratophakia over conventional corneal lamellar procedures are the elimination of donor concerns and superior refractive predictability. Additionally, synthetic material can be inspected for optical quality and power, and it can be sterilized. Furthermore, visual recovery should be more rapid since epithelium is not removed from the central part of the cornea and the need for keratocyte repopulation is eliminated. OBJECTIVE: To present results on patients who received an intracorneal implant (Kerato-Gel, Allergan Medical Optics, Irvine, Calif) that was made from lidofilcon A, a glucose-permeable hydrogel with an equilibrium water content of 68%. METHODS: The intracorneal implants were implanted in 35 adult patients for correction of aphakia. Inclusion criteria excluded patients with aphakia who were candidates for intraocular lenses. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients were followed up through 2 years postoperatively. For 16 patients with 2-year postoperative refractive data, the average spherical equivalent was -0.63 +/- 2.07 diopters (D). At 2 years, 88% of patients were within +/- 3.00 D of plano and 50% were within +/- 1.00 D. the mean change in Snellen's line for corrected visual acuity was -3.25 lines at 2 years for all patients and -2.0 lines for a subgroup of five patients who were free of vision-limiting preoperative disease. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that this intracorneal implant is well tolerated by the cornea and can provide predictable refractive results in patients with high-risk aphakia. Limitations of the procedure are uneven microkeratome resections, loss of best-corrected visual acuity, and irregular astigmatism in some patients. Although these data show good evidence of biocompatibility of the implant material, technical surgical progress is needed to advance this procedure into clinical therapeutic practice.

Adult↗

A prospective multicenter trial of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy for corneal vision loss. The Summit Phototherapeutic Keratectomy Study Group.

PURPOSE: The 193-nm argon fluoride excimer laser can remove corneal scars and smooth corneal irregularities, obviating corneal transplantation. We conducted a prospective multicenter trial of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy for corneal vision loss as a basis for Food and Drug Administration premarket approval. METHODS: We treated 232 eyes of 211 patients with corneal vision loss. All had corneal pathology in the anterior 100 microns of the stroma. Mean postoperative follow-up was 10 +/- 8 months. The primary outcome variable was change in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: At postoperative month 12, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved in 46 (45%) of 103 eyes and worsened in nine (9%) of 103 eyes by 2 or more Snellen lines. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved by a mean of 1.6 +/- 2.8 Snellen lines (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 2.1 lines). Every postoperative visit confirmed statistically significant improvement of mean best spectacle-corrected acuity. At month 12, treated eyes had a mean hyperopic shift in refraction of 0.87 diopter and a mean reduction in astigmatism of 0.36 diopter. Treatment appeared most effective in eyes with hereditary corneal dystrophies, Salzmann's nodular degeneration, and corneal scars, and least effective in eyes with calcific band keratopathy. Complications included recurrence of underlying pathology, corneal graft rejection, and bacterial keratitis. CONCLUSIONS: Argon fluoride excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy is effective, with relatively few complications, for treating vision loss from corneal opacification or irregularity. Efficacy, however, varies widely depending upon individual eyes and underlying diagnoses.

Adult↗

Excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy before cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To determine whether sequential excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) followed by cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with power calculation based on the new corneal curvature is effective in managing superficial corneal disease. METHODS: Of a consecutive series of 18 eyes of 16 patients who received PTK, extracapsular cataract extraction, and posterior chamber IOL insertion, twelve eyes had spheroidal degeneration and six eyes, calcific band keratopathy. The PTK was done with either a Summit ExciMed laser or a Visx 20/20 laser using a 5.0 to 6.0 mm diameter ablation zone. Intraocular lens calculations were done a mean of 3.3 months after PTK. Cataract surgery was by extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber IOL implantation. Patients were followed up for a mean of 14 months. RESULTS: Eighteen eyes completed follow-up examinations. Mean time between PTK and cataract surgery was 3.3 months. Phototherapeutic keratectomy was completed in one surgery session using one ablation treatment (ablation and slitlamp microscopy) in five eyes, two treatments in seven eyes, and three to seven treatments in six eyes. Eleven (61%) of 18 eyes had a final spherical equivalent refraction within +/- 1.00 diopter. Two eyes developed moderate to marked subepithelial reticular corneal haze from PTK. No vision-threatening complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Excimer laser PTK followed by cataract extraction and posterior chamber IOL implantation can safely and effectively treat eyes with superficial corneal disease and age-related cataract. Calculation of the IOL power after the cornea has healed from the PTK compensates for changes in corneal curvature.

Aged↗

The effect of photorefractive keratectomy on the corneal endothelium.

PURPOSE: The authors prospectively investigated the effect of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia on the corneal endothelium. METHODS: Quantitative computer-assisted morphometric analysis of central and peripheral corneal endothelial cells was performed on 142 myopic eyes before and at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after PRK. The mean age of the subjects was 37 years (range, 21-66 years). Ninety-one (64%) of them had a history of contact lens wear. Mean attempted correction was -3.9 diopters (range, -1.6 to -6.0 diopters). RESULTS: The mean preoperative endothelial cell density was 2660 cells/mm2 centrally and 2776 cells/mm2 peripherally. There was no change in central endothelial cell density at any of the postoperative examinations. The peripheral cell density decreased 4.1% (P = 0.003) at 3 months and 6.2% (P = 0.0001) at 1 year. However, the peripheral cell density was not significantly different from the preoperative value at 2 years. The peripheral coefficient of variation of cell size was 7.8% lower 2 years postoperatively than it was preoperatively, and this improvement was attributable to cessation of contact lens wear after PRK. The decrease in peripheral endothelial cell density at 1 year correlated with the amount of attempted correction, but there was no correlation between attempted correction and the change in central or peripheral endothelial cell density 2 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: For the correction of up to 6.0 D of myopia, PRK causes no detectable changes in central corneal endothelial cell density, but it does cause a transient, modest loss of peripheral corneal endothelial cells at 1 year. Variations in endothelial cell shape caused by contact lens wear resolve after PRK.

Adult↗

One-year results of a prospective multicenter study of the Casebeer system of refractive keratotomy. Casebeer Chiron Study Group.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results, predictability, stability, safety, and the patient satisfaction after refractive keratotomy for the correction of myopia and astigmatism using a defined protocol (the Casebeer system). METHODS: The authors enrolled 324 patients (615 eyes) in a prospective study conducted by 18 surgeons. All procedures were performed using ultrasonic pachymetry with the diamond knife blade set at a length of 100% of the temporal paracentral corneal thickness reading and four to eight centripental (Russian style) incisions with or without fixation of the globe. Straight transverse incisions were done for astigmatism in 222 (36%) eyes. One to eight repeated operations (enhancements) were done on 241 (39%) eyes. RESULTS: Mean baseline cycloplegic refraction was -3.68 +/- 1.59 diopters (D) (range, -0.88 to -8.25 D). One-year data were available for 546 eyes (89%). At 1 year, mean spherical equivalent cycloplegic refraction was -0.27 +/- 0.78 D (range, -3.13 to +3.00 D). There were 373 (68%) eyes with a refraction of +/- 0.50 D, and 483 eyes (89%) within +/- 1.00 D of emmetropia. Ten eyes (2%) were overcorrected by more than 1.00 D. Mean baseline refractive cylinder was 1.01 +/- 0.75 D (range, 0-5.75 D); at 1 year, the mean cylinder was 0.40 +/- 0.55 D (range, 0-2.50 D). Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 297 (54%) eyes and 20/40 or better in 93%. Six eyes (1%) lost two to three lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity; the worst visual acuity was 20/30. Of patients responding to a standardized questionnaire, 320 (77%) wore no spectacles for distance or near vision; there was a significant increase in glare and fluctuation of vision from baseline; and 247 (90%) were very satisfied with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive keratotomy using radial incisions with or without transverse incisions and following the Casebeer system effectively reduces and often eliminates myopia and astigmatism with a high degree of safety. Enhancement surgery was required in 39% of eyes. Glare and fluctuation of vision increased postoperatively but were rated mild, and patient satisfaction was high.

Adult↗

Morning-to-evening change in refraction, corneal curvature, and visual acuity 11 years after radial keratotomy in the prospective evaluation of radial keratotomy study. The PERK Study Group.

PURPOSE: Previous reports demonstrate morning-to-evening changes in ophthalmic measurements at 3 months, 1 year, and 4 years after radial keratotomy. The authors determine whether diurnal change in refractive error persists 11 years after radial keratotomy surgery in the Prospective Evaluation of Radial Keratotomy (PERK) study. METHODS: Seventy-one patients were examined in the morning and evening a mean of 11.1 +/- 0.6 years (range, 10-12.7 years) after undergoing radial keratotomy under a standardized protocol using a diamond blade. RESULTS: Between the morning and evening examinations, the mean change in the spherical equivalent of refraction was a 0.31 +/- 0.58-diopter (D) increase in minus power in first eyes. Thirty-six (51%) eyes had an increase in minus power of the manifest refraction of 0.50 to 1.62 D; 22 (31%) had a change in refractive cylinder power of 0.50 to 1.25 D; 9 (13%) had a decrease in uncorrected visual acuity of two to seven Snellen lines; and 25 (35%) showed central corneal steepening measured by keratometry of 0.50 to 1.94 D. Two (3%) eyes lost two lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity, whereas one (1%) eye gained two lines. In patients whose both eyes underwent surgery, a high degree of symmetry was observed in morning-to-evening refractive change. CONCLUSION: In some patients after radial keratotomy, morning-to-evening change of refraction and visual acuity persists for at least 11 years, although in most patients the magnitude of this change is small. Thus, diurnal fluctuation may be a permanent sequela of radial keratotomy in some individuals.

Circadian Rhythm↗

Excimer laser in situ keratomileusis under a corneal flap for myopia of 2 to 20 diopters.

PURPOSE: We studied the efficacy and safety of a recent technique of keratomileusis for myopia, excimer laser in situ keratomileusis. METHODS: We studied retrospectively 88 eyes of 63 patients who received excimer laser in situ keratomileusis with the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper and the Summit OmniMed laser under a hinged corneal flap without sutures. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 5.2 months. Mean spherical equivalent of the manifest refraction before surgery was -8.24 diopters (range, -2.00 to -20.00 diopters). Mean spherical equivalent refraction after surgery was +0.22 +/- 1.42 diopters. Of 40 eyes with a baseline refraction from -2.00 to -6.00 diopters, 25 eyes (63%) had refraction within +/- 0.50 diopter of emmetropia, and 37 eyes (93%) had refraction within +/- 1.00 diopter. In eyes with baseline refraction of -6.12 to -12.00 diopters, postoperative refraction was within +/- 1.00 diopter in 19 (65%) of 29 eyes. In eyes with baseline refraction of -12.10 to -20.00 diopters, postoperative refraction was +/- 1.00 diopter in eight (43%) of 19 eyes. Overall, 64 (72.8%) of 88 eyes had a refraction within +/- 1.00 diopter after surgery. Between three weeks and five months after surgery the change in the mean spherical equivalent refraction was -0.61 diopter in the myopic direction. Uncorrected visual acuity after surgery was 20/20 or better in 31 eyes (36%) and 20/40 or better in 61 eyes (71%). Three eyes (3.6%) lost two lines or more of spectacle-corrected visual acuity, two from progressive myopic maculopathy and one from irregular astigmatism. No eyes had vision-threatening complications. CONCLUSION: Excimer laser in situ keratomileusis under a corneal flap can be an effective method of reducing myopia between -2.00 and -20.00 diopters, with minimal complications. Current surgical algorithms need modification to improve predictability of outcome. Stability of refraction after surgery requires further study.

Adolescent↗

Keratoconus in two pairs of identical twins.

We studied two sets of identical twins with keratoconus. The first 21-year-old pair had bilateral fully developed keratoconus and the second 35-year-old pair presented with early bilateral keratoconus detected by videokeratography. To our knowledge, these are the seventh and eighth sets of identical twins with keratoconus reported in the literature. They support the evidence of heredity as a factor in the etiology of keratoconus. Videokeratography proved to be a valuable adjunct for the detection of early keratoconus in a cornea with normal slit-lamp microscopy and photokeratoscopy results. Radial keratotomy in one eye produced an unstable refraction.

Adult↗

The effect of globe fixation on ablation zone centration in photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE: For optimal vision, the ablation zone in photorefractive keratectomy should be centered over the entrance pupil. During ablation, the globe can be immobilized by the surgeon, with a suction ring around the corneoscleral limbus. Alternatively, the globe can be immobilized by patient fixation on a target, unassisted by the surgeon. We investigated which method results in better centration of the ablation zone over the entrance pupil, by using an objective, mathematical method to determine the ablation zone center. METHODS: Forty-eight eyes from 48 patients who underwent photorefractive keratectomy by the two techniques were studied retrospectively. The centers of the ablation zones were objectively determined by a weighted center of mass algorithm applied to the preoperative minus postoperative difference maps. The validity of the objective method was confirmed by comparison to subjective estimates of ablation zone centers made by independent human observers. RESULTS: The 19 eyes treated by surgeon fixation had an average decentration of the ablation zone of 0.63 +/- 0.31 mm (range, 0.01 to 1.00 mm), and the 29 eyes treated by patient fixation had an average decentration of 0.41 +/- 0.23 mm (range, 0.11 to 1.18 mm) (P = .027). CONCLUSIONS: The center of the ablation zone can be determined mathematically from the topographic map, to avoid observer bias. In this study, unassisted patient fixation during photorefractive keratectomy produced more accurate centration of the ablation zone than did surgeon fixation and has the potential for maximizing the quality of vision postoperatively.

Algorithms↗

Climatic proteoglycan stromal keratopathy, a new corneal degeneration.

PURPOSE: To characterize a previously undescribed corneal disorder, climatic proteoglycan stromal keratopathy. METHODS: We prospectively characterized the disorder in 58 eyes of 29 patients (ages 41 to 84 years) at the El Maghraby Eye Hospital, Jeddah Saudi Arabia. Light and transmission electron microscopy were performed on six corneal specimens. RESULTS: Clinical criteria for the diagnosis included a central, horizontally oval, corneal stromal haze with a ground glass appearance, a uniform or lamellar pattern, greater extent anteriorly and involvement of 50% to 100% of stromal thickness. It occurred bilaterally but sometimes asymmetrically. Density varied from mild to moderate and seldom decreased visual acuity. Sixteen (28%) of 58 corneas had additional degenerative lesions (spheroidal degeneration, mild calcific band keratopathy, and Salzmann's nodular degeneration). Refractile stromal lines or posterior white dots were present in six (10%) of 58 eyes. Videokeratography in 11 (29%) of 38 eyes demonstrated flat areas that overlay the stromal haze. Pathologic analysis demonstrated focal intracellular and extracellular deposits of excess proteoglycans. One specimen showed amyloid. We postulate that climatic factors play a pathogenic role because the disorder occurs in individuals who were exposed to the sunny, dry, dusty environment of the Middle East and because other corneal degenerative disorders were present concomitantly. CONCLUSIONS: Climatic proteoglycan stromal keratopathy is a corneal degeneration that appears as an oval, central, gray, ground-glass haze associated with central corneal flattening on videokeratography and as excess proteoglycans on histologic examination. It seldom severely decreases visual function.

Adult↗

Posterior amorphous corneal dysgenesis.

PURPOSE: Posterior amorphous corneal dysgenesis is a rare disorder previously described in only four families. We expanded the spectrum of findings and updated the classification by adding seven additional cases. METHODS: Three index cases were identified during ophthalmic examination at the El Maghraby Eye Hospital and Eye Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We examined all available members of three families of different ethnic origin (Saudi Arabian, Egyptian, and Indian) and found seven cases of affected patients. Videokeratography and slit-lamp photomicrography were done in selected cases. RESULTS: In all seven cases, the corneas showed bilateral, diffuse, sheetlike opacities in the posterior stroma, with extension to the corneoscleral limbus, and corneal thinning in the more severely affected eyes. The clinical findings included variations in corneal thickness noted by slit-lamp microscopy and ultrasonic pachymetry, cornea plana, marked corneal astigmatism, and progressive ectasia of the cornea. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior amorphous corneal dysgenesis is characterized by gray sheetlike opacities in the posterior stroma. It occurs in many ethnic groups and exhibits a varied spectrum of clinical findings, including iridocorneal adhesions and cornea plana. We think the anatomic abnormalities of the cornea warrant classification as a corneal dysgenesis rather than as a dystrophy. Longitudinal studies of individual eyes and investigation of associated abnormalities in other pedigrees may help resolve this distinction.

Adult↗

Excimer laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) under a corneal flap for myopia of 2 to 20 D.

BACKGROUND: We report the results of a recent technique of keratomileusis for myopia: excimer laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: We studied retrospectively 88 eyes of 63 patients that received LASIK with the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper and the Summit OmniMed excimer laser under a hinged corneal flap without sutures. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 5.2 months. Mean spherical equivalent of the manifest refraction before surgery was -8.24 diopters (D)(range -2.00 to -20.00 D). Mean spherical equivalent refraction after surgery was +0.22 D (SD, 1.42 D). Of 40 eyes with a baseline refraction from -2.00 to -6.00 D, 25 (63%) had a refraction within +/- 0.50 D and 37 eyes (93%) within +/-1.00 D. In 29 eyes with baseline refraction of -6.12 to -12.00 D, postoperative refraction was within +/-1.00 D in 19 (65%). In 19 eyes with baseline refraction of -12.10 to -20.00 D postoperative refraction was +/-1.00 D in 8 (43%). Overall, 64 of 88 eyes (72.8%) had a refraction within +/-1.00 D after surgery. Between three weeks and five months after surgery the change in the mean spherical equivalent refraction was -0.61 D in the myopic direction. Uncorrected visual acuity after surgery was 20/20 or better in 31 eyes (36%) and 20/40 or better in 61 eyes (71%). Three eyes (3.6%) lost two lines or more of spectacle corrected visual acuity, two from progressive myopic maculopathy and one from irregular astigmatism. No eyes had vision threatening complications. CONCLUSION: Excimer laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) under a corneal flap can be an effective method of reducing myopia between -2.00 to -20.00 D, with minimal complications. Current surgical algorithms need modification to improve predictability. Stability of refraction after surgery requires further study.

Adolescent↗

[A study on stretching capacity of continuous circular capsulorhexis and nucleus delivery].

The stretching capacity of continuous circular capsulorhexis (CCC) in 20 human cadaver eyes was determined. The increases in circumference of the tear opening ranged from 164. 5% to 190.9% and that in area of the opening ranged from 235.2% to 364.6%. If a proper technique of capsulorhexis is adopted, the nucleus of 7-9.5 mm in diameter and 3-4.5mm in thickness can be delivered through a CCC opening of 4-6mm in diameter by hydrodissection and hydroexpression of nucleus without capsular tear.

Adult↗

Complications of hexagonal keratotomy.

We examined 15 eyes of ten patients with complications of hexagonal keratotomy, which included glare, photophobia, polyopia, fluctuation in vision, overcorrection, irregular astigmatism, corneal edema, corneal perforation, bacterial keratitis, cataract, and endophthalmitis. Wound healing abnormalities and anterior displacement of the central cornea adjacent to the incisions were common. Eight eyes lost best-corrected visual acuity of two or more Snellen lines. Three eyes required penetrating keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation. Histologic analysis of two of these corneas disclosed variations in wound depth and abnormalities of wound configuration, including considerable wound gaping. Hexagonal keratotomy appears to be an unpredictable, unsafe surgical procedure with a high complication rate, and it should be abandoned until well-controlled experimental trials establish its safety and efficacy.

Adult↗