Use of grafts smaller than the opening for keratoconic myopia and astigmatism. A prospective study

Abstract

A prospective study was conducted on 15 consecutive keratoconic eyes to evaluate the use of grafts smaller than the opening in keratoconic myopia and astigmatism. All surgeries were performed by the senior author. Average age of the patients was 41.1 years. Average follow-up was 1.6 years. After all sutures were removed, results showed an average decrease in myopia of 13.24 diopters (D) (range 1.75 to 23.25) principally from corneal flattening and a small reduction in axial length. Average postoperative spherical equivalent was -2.17 D (range +1.50 to -7.25). The average postoperative astigmatism was 3.78 D (range 1.75 to 6.00). This study and a previous retrospective study suggest that the use of grafts 0.25 mm smaller than the opening, i.e., 7.50/7.75 mm, for penetrating keratoplasty in keratoconus is justified.