PURPOSE: To compare the effects of performing a single limbal relaxing incision (LRI) combined with a clear corneal incision on a corneal astigmatism with that of paired LRIs in cataract surgery. METHODS: Medical records for 25 eyes in 20 patients who had undergone LRIs during cataract operations for with-the-rule astigmatism of 1.5 diopters (D) or more in topography were retrospectively reviewed. Single or paired LRIs were assigned randomly and were performed on the steepest axis; the degrees of arc were determined using the modified Gills nomogram. A clear corneal wound was made on the steepest vertical axis. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest refraction, and corneal astigmatism on topography were evaluated preoperatively and one month postoperatively. Naeser's polar value analysis was used to assess the efficacy of the LRIs. RESULTS: The mean depth of the LRIs and degrees of arc were 620+/-31 micrometer (87.1% of corneal thickness) and 56.84+/-19.68degrees, respectively. The mean postoperative UCVA and BCVA (log MAR) were significantly improved (0.51+/-0.37 and 0.09+/-0.12, respectively) (p<0.05). Average refractive and corneal astigmatisms were significantly reduced by 49.4 percent and 32.4 percent, respectively (p<0.05). The single LRI combined with clear corneal incision showed reduced efficacy in refractive astigmatism by 47 percent, which is similar to that of paired LRIs where a 48 percent reduction in efficacy was seen. CONCLUSIONS: The short-term effects of a single LRI combined with clear corneal incision on a corneal astigmatism appears to be as effective as performing paired LRIs when combined with cataract incision.
Aged ; Astigmatism/*surgery ; Cornea/*surgery ; Corneal Topography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Refractive Surgical Procedures/*methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Treatment Outcome ; Visual Acuity

PURPOSE: This purpose of this report was to study trends in cataract and refractive surgeries conducted during the past twelve years and to compare results to previous reports from the ASCRS and New Zealand (NZ) in order to forecast future medical services. METHODS: We surveyed members of the Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (KSCRS) every year from 1995 to 2006, and studied changes in cataract and refractive surgeries (RS). RESULTS: The duration of hospitalization has been gradually decreasing to the point that a one day hospitalization following surgery has become common. The rate of topical anesthesia use has significantly increased since 1998. Sutureless incision methods are now commonly practiced. The use of acryl IOL as an optic material has been gradually increasing for cataract surgeries. KSCRS members showed an interest in the special intraocular lenses as multifocal IOL. While Excimer laser PRK was the most popular refractive surgery during the first stage, KSCRS members increasingly prefer LASIK to the Excimer laser PRK. Regression of the corrected visual acuity, dry eye, night halo, and flashes were the most common complications following refractive surgeries. Medical disputes related to PRK and LASIK have been gradually increasing throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm that the KSCRS practice styles for cataract and RS are similar to those of the ASCRS and NZ. We infer a world-wide trend from the comparison of these three societies.
Adult ; Cataract Extraction/statistics & numerical data/*trends ; Humans ; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ/statistics & numerical data/trends ; Laser Therapy/statistics & numerical data/trends ; Lasers, Excimer ; Lenses, Intraocular/statistics & numerical data/trends ; Middle Aged ; Ophthalmology/statistics & numerical data/*trends ; Photorefractive Keratectomy/statistics & numerical data/trends ; Professional Practice/statistics & numerical data/*trends ; Questionnaires ; Refractive Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data/*trends ; Republic of Korea ; Societies, Medical

Laser corneal refractive surgery has become an important treatment to correct ametropia in recent years. Rational medication in the perioperative period is essential to ensure the success of the surgery and to reduce complications. However, in this area there has been no consistent understanding and unified application guide across the world. Experts in Refractive Surgery Group, Ocular Microcirculation Branch of Chinese Society of Microcirculation who are specialized in keratology and optometry had initiated extensive and rigorous discussions and reached a consensus on appropriate medication before, during and after the refractive surgeries. The consensus covers a broad spectrum of commonly used ophthalmic solutions, provides recommendations of routine and enhanced medication on prevention and management of adverse reactions and complications related to the laser corneal refractive surgeries. We hope the consensus serves as a standard perioperative medication regimen for ophthalmologists, helps to ensure the safety and effectiveness of laser corneal refractive surgeries, and improves the quality and outcome of the refractive surgeries.
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use* ; Asian People/statistics & numerical data* ; China ; Consensus ; Cornea/surgery* ; Drug Therapy/methods* ; Expert Testimony ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Lasers ; Ophthalmic Solutions/therapeutic use* ; Perioperative Care ; Refractive Errors/therapy* ; Refractive Surgical Procedures/methods*