Combined transverse and interrupted radial keratotomy for compound myopic astigmatism.

BACKGROUND

A variety of patterns of keratotomy are used to correct naturally occurring astigmatism. We evaluated straight transverse incisions with interrupted radial incisions (jump radials).

METHODS

In 32 human eyes with naturally occurring astigmatism, we used straight transverse incisions with interrupted radial incisions, with or without additional radial keratotomy, to correct compound myopic astigmatism. The range of preoperative refractive astigmatism was 1.00 to 3.50 D.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 15 months (range, 12 to 18 months). The average surgically corrected astigmatism was 1.55 +/- 0.29 D. Eighty-seven percent of the eyes achieved less than 1.00 D of astigmatism, and the remaining four eyes retained 1.00 to 1.25 D of astigmatism.

CONCLUSION

Combined transverse and interrupted radial incisions are effective in correcting naturally occurring astigmatism.