Changes in Refractive Power after Strabismus Surgery using Suturing Materials of Different Thickness

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 degrees 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.