Corneal surface changes after pars plana vitrectomy and scleral buckling surgery

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in corneal shape after pars plana vitrecto my, encircling buckling surgery, and a combination of the 2 procedures. Setting: Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zrifin, and Goldshlager Eye Institut e, Tel Hashomer, Israel. Methods: In a prospective clinical study, 61 eyes of 61 patients were assig ned to 1 of 3 groups based on the type of procedure: pars plana vitrectomy, encircling buckle and pars plana vitrectomy, or encircling buckle. The eye s had corneal keratometry (TMS-1), visual acuity measurement, and videokera tography (TMS-1) preoperatively and 2 days, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months post operatively. The topographic parameters statistically analyzed were the cor neal surface cylinder, simulated keratometry, surface regularity index, sur face asymmetry index, standard deviation of corneal power, average corneal power, and irregular astigmatism index. Results: The measurements of ail topographic indices were statistically sig nificantly different from baseline measures 2 and 7 days postoperatively in all 3 groups. However, at 1 and 3 months, there was no significant differe nce from preoperatively in any index. Postoperative best corrected visual a cuity was statistically significantly different from preoperatively. Conclusions: All corneal surface indices were significantly altered after a ll 3 types of surgery. Corneal surface measurements returned to preoperativ e values by 1 month postoperatively and remained stable until the final fol low-up at 3 months. J Cataract Refract Surg 2001; 27:868-872 (C) 2001 ASCRS and ESCRS.