Long-Term Stability of Keratometry, Scheimpflug-Derived True Net Power, and Total Corneal Refractive Power after Primary Pterygium Excision

Purpose: To evaluate long-term changes in mean keratometry, astigmatism, true net power (TNP), and total corneal refractive power (TCRP) of corneas after primary pterygium excision. Methods: This is a prospective observational series conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital eye center in Hong Kong. A total of 31 eyes of 31 patients with primary pterygium excision were included. Patients with recurrent or double-headed pterygia or a history of corneal scars from previous trauma, infection, or surgery were excluded. Data were collected prospectively at postoperative weeks 1, 4, 12, and month 18. Results: Mean keratometry of the anterior cornea was 44.3 diopters (D) [95% confidence interval (CI): 43.6-44.9 D] at week 1, 44.3 D (95% CI: 43.6-44.9 D, standard error = 0.3) at week 4, 44.3 D (95% CI: 43.7-44.9 D) at week 12, and 44.1 D (95% CI: 43.5-44.7 D) at month 18. Mean astigmatism of the anterior cornea was 1.1 D (95% CI: 0.7-1.4 D), 1.0 D (95% CI: 0.7-1.3 D), 0.9 D (95% CI: 0.6-1.1 D), and 1.0 D (95% CI: 0.7-1.3 D) at postoperative 1, 4, 12 weeks, and 18 months, respectively. Mean keratometry, astigmatism of the anterior and posterior cornea, TNP and TCRP at 2.0-mm, 3.0-mm, 4.0-mm rings and zones remained unchanged on all follow-up visits (P = 1 for all comparisons). Conclusions: Keratometric values including TNP and TCRP were stable as soon as 1 week after pterygium excision. This information might help clinicians in planning subsequent intraocular surgery that requires biometric assessment for intraocular lens implantation.