Reduction of hyperopia associated with manual excision of Salzmann's nodular degeneration

Citation
Jg. Oster et al., Reduction of hyperopia associated with manual excision of Salzmann's nodular degeneration, J REFRACT S, 17(4), 2001, pp. 466-469
Citations number
6
Categorie Soggetti
Optalmology
Journal title
JOURNAL OF REFRACTIVE SURGERY
ISSN journal
1081597X → ACNP
Volume
17
Issue
4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
466 - 469
Database
ISI
SICI code
1081-597X(200107/08)17:4<466:ROHAWM>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
PURPOSE: Removing central corneal pathology often leads to a hyperopic shif t secondary to corneal flattening. A myopic shift, or reduction in hyperopi a, would be expected after removal of peripheral corneal pathology with cen tral corneal steepening. This case illustrates the refractive changes induc ed by Salzmann's nodular degeneration and the myopic shift associated with their excision, METHODS: A 53-year-oId female presented with a slowly progressive increase in hyperopia. Vision in the right eye was 20/40 with a refraction of +10.00 -4.00 x 90 degrees. Vision in the left eye was 20/30 with a refraction of +5.75 -2.00 x 105 degrees. Both corneas exhibited nodular subepithelial opa cities in the mid-periphery. A superficial keratectomy was performed on eac h eye, 1 year apart. RESULTS: Twelve days postoperatively, uncorrected visual acuity in the righ t eye was 20/25, and 20/20 with a refraction of -0.75 -0.50 x 31 degrees, 6 months later, Six days postoperatively, uncorrected visual acuity in the l eft eye was 20/40, and 20/30 with a refraction of -1.25 D, 1 month later. CONCLUSION: Superficial keratectomy provides a means of restoring the origi nal corneal contour, especially when the pathology is easily dissected from Bowman's layer, The surgeon should investigate the refractive status prior to the development of the nodules and be aware of the possible refractive change upon removal of the pathology.