Changes in keratometry readings and Pterygium induced astigmatism after Pterygium excision

Abstract

Pterygium can cause deterioration of vision by distortion the corneal smooth surface, and so induce astigmatism usually with the rule type, which is reversible by Pterygium excision surgery. So the aim of this study to evaluate prospectively, the change in keratometeric readings and corneal refractive status after pterygium excision surgery, a case series study was carried out on117eyes of 117 patients with primary Pterygium. It was carried out over a period of 9 months from 1st, January 2018 to 30th. September 2018, for patients, were admitted to the departments of ophthalmology at Najaf city. All patients underwent preoperative assessment for visual acuity (using Snellen’s chart), anterior segment examination, and posterior segment examination using Slitlamp biomicroscopy with condensing lens, refraction and Keratometry using auto-refractometers. All data collected preoperatively then one month postoperatively. Data analysis and comparison then performed. The findings of this study was that Pterygium is more prevalent in males than females, as it found in (81%) of males and only (19%) in females, and more prevalent in young to middle-aged people between (30-45 years 59%), grade II (45%) are presented. This study also found that keratometric (K1, K2) readings in all grade are significantly reduced postoperatively, where preoperative mean K1 was (43.43D±0.67), that decreased to a postoperative mean of (42.95D±0.6). Astigmatism associated pterygium at all grades also showed significant improvement, where the total mean preoperative astigmatism was (1.04D ± 0.80), that became (0.36 D± 0.20) one month later. This improvement also applied on visual acuity, as most of the patient were had visual acuity between (6/12) to ( 6/18) that represent (50%), (37%) of our sample, which improves to (64%) with visual acuity of (6/6) one-month postoperatively. We conclude that Pterygium excision, associated with significant improvement in refraction and keratometeric readings. And we suggested for eye protection should be considered, when spend long time work outdoor, like proper polarized and UV filter sunglasses, also if possible, avoid work outdoor during sunny and hot days. Surgical excision of Pterygium in early stages will result in better visual rehabilitation.