The Effects of Epiblepharon Surgery on the Improvement of Astigmatism

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in visual acuity and astigmatism after epiblepharon surgery regarding preoperative age and astigmatism. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 37 patients with epiblepharon surgery. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity and degree of astigmatism were obtained. Postoperative data were collected at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 5.7 +/- 2.5 years. In the 5-9 year-old group and < or =3D group, significant improvement of mean BCVA was demonstrated (p = 0.02, p = 0.039, respectively). In the cylinder groups, 1-2 D, 2-3 D, and < or =3D showed decreased mean astigmatism (p = 0.006, p = 0.034, p = 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Significant astigmatic reduction was found after surgical correction in epiblepharon patients with higher baseline astigmatism. These results suggest that an epiblepharon surgery should be considered in patients with a high levels of astigmatism.