Corneal topographic and pachymetric screening of keratorefractive patients.

PURPOSE: To review the incidence of corneal abnormalities detected in the preoperative examination, using videokeratography and pachymetry that excluded patients from laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

METHODS

We conducted a chart review of consecutive patients who had a preoperative examination and were excluded from refractive surgery.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients from 1,392 refractive candidates (1.3%) were designated as poor candidates for LASIK or PRK based on corneal topography and/or pachymetry. Thirteen patients (0.9%) were identified as having keratoconus suspect, keratoconus, or pellucid marginal degeneration. Five patients (0.4%) were excluded due to thin corneas (<490 microm) despite normal corneal topography.

CONCLUSIONS

Corneal topography and pachymetry are indispensable tools in the preoperative screening of refractive surgery candidates.