Limbal relaxing incisions in congenital astigmatism: 6 month follow-up.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs) for correcting naturally occurring astigmatism.

SETTING

Ankara Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

METHODS

This prospective analysis of the results of the first LRIs in 22 eyes of 13 patients with congenital astigmatism was done using a modified Gills nomogram and was based on preoperative refractive astigmatism determined by manifest and cycloplegic refractions. There were no adjustments based on sex or age.

RESULTS

An absolute decrease of 0.91 diopter (D) (44%) in mean astigmatism was achieved after 6 months in 22 eyes. The mean uncorrected visual acuity (logMAR) increased from 0.42 to 0.26 from preoperatively to 6 months postoperatively. No patient lost best corrected visual acuity. Most regression occurred in eyes with more than 3.50 D of astigmatism and between the first and third postoperative months.

CONCLUSION

Limbal relaxing incisions are a practical, simple, and forgiving approach for the correction of lower degrees of astigmatism.