Astigmatism ; Refractive power ; Strabismus surgery ; Suturing mateirals
Abstract
Purpose : We prospectively examined the effects on refractive power after strabismus surgery using
suturing materials of different thickness.
Methods : Postoperative sutures were done using 6-0 vicryl on the right eye and 7-0 vicryl on the left eye
in 16 patients (32 eyes) who received bilateral horizontal rectus muscle recessions. Cycloplegic refraction
was performed preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.
Results : We found a significant decrease in the refractive power at 180°meridian resulting in with-therule astigmatism during the first month after surgery in the 6-0 vicryl group and during the first week in
the 7-0 vicryl group. The changes in refractive power gradually returned to preoperative states in each
group. There was no statistical significance between the two groups. However, the decrease in refractive
power at the 180( meridian resulting in with the rule astigmatism was less in the 7-0 vicryl group.
Conclusion : With-the-rule astigmatism after horizontal muscle recession surgery is a temporary
phenomenon and this tendency is decreased with the use of thinner suture materials.