Linear–long incisions with a small optical zone for the correction of astigmatism in older patients

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of astigmatic keratotomy (AK) by paired linear (transverse)–long incisions within a small optical zone in older patients with 3.00 diopters (D) or more of astigmatism who are intolerant of contact lenses, spectacles, or both. Design Prospective, noncomparative case series. Participants Twenty-one eyes (20 patients; age range, 58–87 years) treated at clinics of the Taipei Veterans General Hospital were included in this study. Methods Paired linear incisions (90° in length) with a central optical zone (OZ) of 4.5 mm were made to correct high astigmatism in older patients. The incisions were 80% of the corneal thickness and parallel to the axis of the steepest cylinder. Main outcome measures Refraction, keratometry, corneal topography, and visual acuity with and without correction were measured as the outcome indicators. Results The mean course of the stabilization of corneal curvature was 1.8 months. Significant improvement from a preoperative corneal astigmatism of 4.52±1.39 D to a postoperative value of 1.82±0.88 D ( P Conclusions We conclude that AK by linear–long incisions extending from a small OZ is effective and safe for correcting astigmatism.