High Postkeratoplasty Astigmatism Research Articles

Outcomes of Phacoemulsification With Toric Intraocular Lenses in Addressing Postkeratoplasty Astigmatism.

The aim of this study was to assess the short-term and long-term effectiveness of toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) as a treatment for significant postkeratoplasty astigmatism. This was a retrospective case review study that analyzes postkeratoplasty eyes after phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation. Seventy-five eyes were included. Previous surgery was penetrating keratoplasty (50.6%), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (34.6%), or automated anterior lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty (14.6%). The mean age at phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation was 55.0 years (SD: ±14.4). The mean follow-up time was 48.2 ± 26.6 months. Preoperative mean topographic astigmatism was 6.34 ± 2.70 D (range 2-13.2 D). The mean IOL cylinder power was 6.00 ± 4.75 D (range 2-12 D). Both mean refractive astigmatism and mean refractive spherical equivalent decreased significantly from -5.30 ± 1.86 D to -1.62 ± 1.94 D ( P < 0.001) and from -4.00 ± 4.46 D to -0.25 ± 1.25 D ( P < 0.001), respectively. From preoperative to the last visit, there was a significant improvement in mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA) (from 1.3 ± 1.0 logMAR to 0.4 ± 0.3 logMAR, P < 0.001) and mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (from 0.7 ± 0.6 logMAR to 0.2 ± 0.3 logMAR, P < 0.001). Postoperative UDVA was 20/40 and 20/30 or better in 34% and 21% of eyes, respectively. Postoperative CDVA was 20/40 and 20/30 or better in 70% and 58% of eyes, respectively. Phacoemulsification and toric IOL implantation can effectively reduce moderate to high postkeratoplasty astigmatism, with a corresponding significant visual improvement.

Long-Term Stability of Femtosecond Astigmatic Keratotomy After Treatment of High Postkeratoplasty Astigmatism.

The purpose of this study was to assess long-term stability and outcomes of femtosecond astigmatic keratotomy (FSAK) after treatment of high postkeratoplasty astigmatism. This retrospective study included patients who underwent FSAK for high astigmatism (≥4 D) after penetrating keratoplasty or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Main outcome measures were corneal astigmatism, uncorrected visual acuity, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1 month and 1, 5, and 10 years. Overall, 61 eyes of 61 patients (mean age 56 ± 19 years, 54.1% male) were included in this study. Preoperative corneal astigmatism ranged from 4 to 25 D. One month after FSAK, mean corneal astigmatism was significantly reduced from 9.02 ± 3.97 D to 4.86 ± 3.10 D ( P < 0.001). Thereafter, corneal astigmatism remained stable at all visits up to 10 years ( P < 0.05 for all compared with baseline). After FSAK, there was a significant improvement in logMAR uncorrected visual acuity from 1.21 ± 0.48 to 0.87 ±0.54 ( P < 0.001) and logMAR BCVA from 1.03 ± 0.55 to 0.49 ± 0.45 ( P < 0.001) which remained stable up to 10 years. A mild reduction in BCVA improvement was seen between 1 month and 1 year. Femtosecond astigmatic keratotomy was effective and stable at reducing very high magnitudes of postkeratoplasty astigmatism over the long term. The procedure also had a stable effect on visual acuity, albeit some reduction in the degree of BCVA improvement was seen over the early postoperative period.

Intrastromal corneal ring segments followed by PRK for postkeratoplasty high astigmatism: prospective study.

To evaluate refractive and topographic results of the association of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the correction of high (>6.0 diopters [D]) postkeratoplasty astigmatism (PKA). University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Prospective interventional study. Postpenetrating keratoplasty patients, intolerant to contact lens fitting, and with corneal astigmatism higher than 6.0 D were treated by the combination of ICRS and PRK from January 2017 to June 2019. First, patients underwent femtosecond laser-assisted ICRS implantation to reduce and regularize corneal astigmatism, and 3 months later, submitted to PRK for the residual astigmatism. Outcomes were obtained 12 months after PRK. The study comprised 30 eyes of 29 patients. Mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (logMAR) changed from 1.16 ± 0.37 in the preoperative to 0.69 ± 0.40 after ICRS ( P < .0001) and to 0.34 ± 0.29 12 months after PRK ( P < .0001). Mean spherical equivalent decreased from -5.19 ± 4.81 D in the preoperative to -3.38 ± 4.51 D after ICRS ( P < .0001) and to -2.30 ± 2.84 D after PRK ( P = .132). Mean topographic astigmatism decreased from 7.88 ± 2.13 D in the preoperative to 5.47 ± 2.29 D after ICRS ( P < .0001) and to 4.12 ± 2.93 D after PRK ( P = .003). Mean refractive astigmatism decreased from 7.10 ± 1.13 D in the preoperative to 4.61 ± 1.61 D after ICRS ( P < .0001) and to 2.58 ± 1.49 D after PRK ( P < .0001). After PRK, the mean correction index (CI) for corneal astigmatism was 0.77 ± 0.36. The ICRS/PRK combination resulted in a higher CI than ICRS only, both for corneal and refractive astigmatism. 2 eyes (8%) presented clinically significant opacification. Other complications were endothelial rejection (n = 1, 4%), infectious keratitis (n = 1, 4%), and ICRS extrusion after corneal melting (n = 1, 4%). The association of ICRS and PRK was effective for treating high PKA. This strategy improved visual acuity, spherical equivalent, topographic and refractive astigmatism and resulted in a high CI. Safety questions remain open and must be balanced against benefits.

Long-term Results of Corneal Wedge Resection for High Postkeratoplasty Astigmatism.

To present the results of corneal wedge resection in postkeratoplasty astigmatism, performed by the same surgeon using the same nomogram over a 25-year period. This is a retrospective observational study. The sample was obtained from the medical records of all patients who underwent penetrating or deep lamellar keratoplasty, performed by a single surgeon from 1993 to 2018. All surgeries were performed using a diamond knife, on the flat meridian, involving the keratoplasty scar and closed with five 10-0 nylon sutures. A total of 39 eyes were included. The keratometry measured cylinder improved from 7.99 ± 0.25 to 2.5 ± 0.3 D at 12 months and remained stable thereafter (a mean follow-up of 76.3 months). Best spectacle corrected visual acuity increased from 0.35 ± 0.01 to 0.57 ± 0.02 at 12 months and remained stable thereafter. There was a coupling ratio of 0.08 ± 0.03 D at 12 months. There were no corneal graft rejections or loss of best spectacle corrected visual acuity on this series. Corneal wedge resection is a valuable resource for the management of high postkeratoplasty astigmatism. It is a safe and reproducible procedure, with stable results at 12 months and thereafter.

Stepwise Combination of Femtosecond Astigmatic Keratotomy With Phacoemulsification and Toric Intraocular Lens Implantation in Treatment of Very High Postkeratoplasty Astigmatism.

To report the outcomes of stepwise combined femtosecond astigmatic keratotomy (FSAK) and phacoemulsification with toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the treatment of very high astigmatism after either penetrating keratoplasty or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. This is a retrospective, interventional case series including 8 eyes of 6 patients with very high astigmatism [≥8.00 diopter (D)] after either penetrating keratoplasty or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty who underwent FSAK, followed by phacoemulsification and toric IOL implantation. Outcome measures were corneal and manifest astigmatism and uncorrected and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (UCVA, BSCVA). The average age was 58.9 ± 5.1 years. The average follow-up time was 40.9 ± 43.8 months. Outcome measure changes after both FSAK and toric IOL implantation were: corneal astigmatism improved from 13.56 ± 4.81 D to 4.48 ± 2.83 D (P < 0.001), manifest astigmatism improved from 9.15 ± 3.86 to 1.46 ± 0.88 D (P = 0.011), UCVA improved from 1.69 ± 0.45 LogMAR (Snellen equivalent ∼20/980) to 0.23 ± 0.11 LogMAR (Snellen equivalent ∼20/33, P < 0.001), and BSCVA improved from 1.01 ± 0.71 LogMAR (Snellen equivalent ∼20/200) to 0.19 ± 0.11 LogMAR (Snellen equivalent ∼20/30, P = 0.015). BSCVA and UCVA at the last follow-up were 20/40 or better in all patients. All procedures were uneventful. Two eyes underwent photorefractive keratectomy after FSAK to regularize and further reduce astigmatism before toric IOL implantation. One patient underwent temporary compression suturing because of FSAK overcorrection. Combined stepwise use of FSAK and phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation was an effective and apparently safe approach in patients with very high postkeratoplasty astigmatism. Additional treatment using photorefractive keratectomy may be beneficial in some cases.

Vector Analysis of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Arcuate Keratotomy for Post-Keratoplasty Astigmatic Correction

Purpose: To study the astigmatic correction of high post-keratoplasty astigmatism using Femtosecond laser (FSL)-assisted Arcuate Keratotomy (FS-AK). Methods: A prospective interventional cohort study. We enrolled 17 eyes with high degree of irregular astigmatism, scheduled for FS-AK. FSL was used to perform paired arcuate incisions 1.00 mm inside the graft. Patients’ uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and astigmatic change were recorded and followed up to 1 year after surgery. Vector analysis using Alpins’ method was done to analyze the astigmatic correction. Results: FS-AK reduced the refractive astigmatism at final follow-up visit at 12 months (p = 0.0008, repeated-measures analysis of variance [ANOVA]). The procedure improved the UCVA over the follow-up period (p = 0.007, repeated-measures ANOVA), with a similar effect on the BCVA (p = 0.046, repeated-measures ANOVA). There was a mild correlation between the target-induced astigmatism and the surgically induced astigmatism (R² = 0.245) with a tendency to overcorrect more than under correct the astigmatism. A constant rotational error in the counterclockwise direction was also detected. Conclusions: FS-AK improves the visual outcome and reduces the refractive cylinder in post-penetrating keratoplasty astigmatism. The predictability of astigmatism correction was variable in reducing post-keratoplasty astigmatism. Refinement of the treatment nomogram for such cases is highly recommended.

Yüksek Post-Keratoplasti Astigmatizmanın Düzeltilmesinde Arkuat Keratotomi İnsizyonlarının Etkinliği

Yüksek Post-Keratoplasti Astigmatizmanın Düzeltilmesinde Arkuat Keratotomi İnsizyonlarının Etkinliği

Correction ratio and vector analysis of femtosecond laser arcuate keratotomy for the correction of post-mushroom profile keratoplasty astigmatism

To evaluate the refractive and keratometric effect of arcuate keratotomy using femtosecond technology in patients with high post-keratoplasty astigmatism with a mushroom profile. Enaim Refractive Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel. Noncomparative prospective interventional case series. The arcuate depth incision was set to 80% of the minimal graft thickness, with a 60-degree angle. The mean diameter was 5.79 mm ± 0.32 (SD) according to the graft size. Patient evaluation included logMAR corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refraction, keratometry (K), and a complete eye examination. Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients after keratoplasty surgery were included. Both uncorrected distance visual acuity and logMAR CDVA improved after surgery. The preoperative mean logMAR CDVA was 0.29 ± 0.37 (SD), which improved by 1 line (to 0.19 ± 0.10; P = .01). The mean refractive astigmatism was -8.43 ± 2.80 diopters (D) (range -4.5 to -15 D), and it declined at the 3-month postsurgical follow-up to -4.31 ± 0.23 D (P < .001) and remained stable until the end of follow-up (-3.31 ± 1.39 D; P = 1.00). The K value decreased by 1.18 D (P < .001). There were no complications or adverse effects during the follow-up period. Arcuate keratotomies performed with the femtosecond laser showed good results. There was a more than 50% decrease in post-mushroom profile keratoplasty astigmatism as well as stability of the results over 1 year. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Femtosecond-Assisted Arcuate Keratotomy for the Correction of Postkeratoplasty Astigmatism: Vector Analysis and Accuracy of Laser Incisions.

To assess the clinical and refractive outcomes of femtosecond-assisted arcuate keratotomy in postkeratoplasty patients, and the accuracy of the incisions, using optical coherence tomography. This is a retrospective study of patients with high postkeratoplasty astigmatism. Patients with a minimum of 4 diopters (D) of postkeratoplasty regular astigmatism were included. The main outcome measures were corrected distance visual acuity, keratometry, corneal topography, and the depth of corneal incisions. Arcuate keratotomy procedures were performed using the IntraLase Femtosecond laser. The depth of keratotomies was set to 75% of the thinnest pachymetry. Twenty eyes of 20 patients were recruited in this study. The mean age at surgery was 51 years, and the mean follow-up period was 17 ± 7.9 months. The corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 20/60 preoperatively to 20/41 after surgery (P = 0.004). The mean preoperative and postoperative spherical equivalents were -4.34 ± 2.91 D and -4.44 ± 3.64 D, respectively (P = 0.49). The mean keratometric cylinder decreased from 9.45 ± 2.97 D (range, 4.2-15.2 D) to 4.64 ± 2.79 D (range, 1.4-11.8 D) (P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the mean surgical-induced astigmatism and the mean target-induced astigmatism (P = 0.313). The mean difference between the scheduled and actual incision depth was 10.5 ± 22.2 μm (P = 0.057). No complications occurred during the procedures. Femtosecond-assisted keratotomy seems to be a safe and efficient technique for the reduction of large amounts of corneal astigmatism. Although overcorrection and undercorrection may occur, the visual outcome is satisfactory. Optical coherence tomography analysis reports a good predictability of the depth of incisions.

Phacoemulsification and customized toric intraocular lens implantation in eyes with cataract and high astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty

Phacoemulsification and implantation of a hydrophilic acrylic toric intraocular lens (IOL) (T-flex 623T) with customized cylindrical power was performed in 1 eye in 3 consecutive patients with cataract and high postkeratoplasty astigmatism (range 6.75 to 8.75 diopters [D]). Twelve months postoperatively, the uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 20/200 to 20/30 in Case 1, from 20/400 to 20/40 in Case 2, and from 20/200 to 20/25 in Case 3 and the corrected distance visual acuity was 20/25 or better in all 3 eyes. The spheroequivalent was within ± 0.50 D of the intended value and the refractive astigmatism was less than 1.00 D. The corneal grafts were transparent, and the endothelial cell loss range was 6% to 12%. Rotation of the toric IOL was less than 5 degrees. The toric IOL with customized cylindrical power provided good postoperative rotational stability and very satisfactory postoperative visual recovery. This type of toric IOL is appropriate to correct high postkeratoplasty astigmatism in eyes operated on for cataract. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Implantation torischer Intraokularlinsen zur Korrektur hoher postkeratoplastischer Astigmatismen

High postkeratoplasty astigmatism remains a challenge for the surgeon. First experiences after implantation of a toric PMMA IOL in three eyes from patients with cataracts are reported. After routine phacoemulsification we implanted an individually manufactured toric PMMA posterior chamber IOL via a sclerocorneal 6-mm tunnel incision in three postkeratoplasty eyes with high, topographically relatively regular astigmatism. One eye with the intraoperative aspect of circular zonular instability also received a capsular tension ring. A complete standard ocular examination was performed pre- and postoperatively including corneal topography, evaluation of anterior chamber depth, ultrasonic biomicroscopy and perimetry. Implantation and intraoperative alignment of the toric IOL were uneventful. The refractive astigmatisms of 5.0, 6.0 and 7.5 cyl D preoperatively, were reduced to 2.0, 1.75 and 3.0 cyl D, 10 and 12 months postoperation, respectively. The eye with the capsular tension ring showed no morphological or refractive changes during follow-up. In the other two eyes we observed IOL rotation of 20 and 30, respectively after 6 months. There were no posterior capsule opacification or capsular folds in the optical centre. Toric IOL technology allows enhancement of IOL surgery with improved refractive outcome. Simultaneous implantation of a capsular tension ring may improve long-term stability.

Ellipsoidal Fitting of Corneal Topography Data After Arcuate Keratotomies With Compression Sutures

After paired arcuate keratotomies and compression sutures (AK) for treatment of high postkeratoplasty astigmatism, corneal topography tends to be irregular. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a mathematical method for approximation of discrete corneal topography power data with an ellipsoid for better appreciation of the clinical outcome after AK. Thirty-one eyes of 28 consecutive patient who underwent AK for excessive postkeratoplasty astigmatism were studied. Regular keratometry, corneal topography (TMS-1), subjective refraction, and best-corrected visual acuity (VA) were assessed preoperatively and at 1 week and 1 year postoperatively. A simplex algorithm was applied for fitting an ellipsoidal surface to raw corneal topography power data. A set of parameters (meridional power, axis, and asphericity) were calculated. The cylinder of subjective refraction was correlated with the keratometric readings, the simulated keratometry (SimK) of the topography system, and the respective parameters of the model surface. Keratometric astigmatism and the cylinder of the model surface decreased from 8.1 +/- 3.2 and 7.9 +/- 2.9 D preoperatively to 4.5 +/- 2.1 and 5.3 +/- 2.0 D after 1 year, respectively. The asphericity in both meridional cross sections changed from a prolate ellipse preoperatively to an ablate ellipse at the early postoperative follow-up stage. Regarding the cylinder axis, there was a significant correlation of the model surface with the refractive cylinder at all examinations (P < .05), whereas there was no significant correlation of the SimK axis and the refractive cylinder axis. The approximation of corneal topography power data with an ellipsoidal model surface renders reconstruction of clinically relevant corneal topography parameters, including corneal asphericity with a marked data compression. Even in markedly irregular corneal surfaces, such as after AK, the correlation of amount/axis of refractive cylinder with the model surface parameters is more accurate than it is with respective SimK values of corneal topography analysis.

Ultrasound biomicroscopy of tangential keratotomy incision depth after penetrating keratoplasty

Purpose: To assess the accuracy and reproducibility of using ultrasound biomicroscopy to measure corneal refractive incisions in vivo.Settings: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Austria.Methods: Ultrasound biomicroscopy was performed in five eyes of five patients who had previous tangential keratotomy for high postkeratoplasty astigmatism. Depth of the incision scar was documented, and the measurements were compared with those obtained preoperatively by ultrasound pachymetry readings of the corneal thickness and with the settings of the diamond knife blade.Results: The measured depths reached 84.7% ± 12.9 (SD) of corneal thickness compared with the intended 89.1 ± 6.7% depth of incision. The relation between knife setting and achieved depth was 95.3 ± 15.9%.Conclusion: Ultrasound biomicroscopy provided high-quality images of the incision scars, accurately measuring actual incision depth in vivo. It may become a clinically useful tool for the refractive surgeon as it contributes to the predictability and accuracy of keratorefractive procedures.

Refractive keratoplasty for post‐graft astigmatism

Refractive keratoplasty using modified relaxing incisions with compression sutures was performed on 33 patients with high post-keratoplasty astigmatism. The mean reduction in keratometric astigmatism was 8.38 dioptres from a preoperative mean of 12.21 dioptres (SD, 3.59) to 3.93 dioptres (SD, 2.13). All patients noted a marked functional improvement. Two patients required reoperation. One patient required resuturing. Our modification of undercutting the relaxing incisions greatly increases the range of astigmatism that can be treated with this technique.

Results of Transverse Keratotomies for Astigmatism After Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Retrospective Study of 48 Consecutive Cases

High astigmatism is still a common complication of penetrating keratoplasty which often limits the final corrected visual acuity. Surgical correction of high astigmatism persistent after suture removal remains rather controversial. In our present study, we used the technique of transverse keratotomies for the surgical correction of high astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty because of its simplicity and corrective potential. We present a retrospective clinical study based on the results of 48 consecutive transverse keratotomy procedures performed on the graft. Three eyes were operated on twice, for a total of 51 procedures. The astigmatism had to be stable for at least 6 months after suture removal, with poor corrected visual acuity with spectacles or contact lenses. The operative protocol (number of incisions, optical zone size) was decided based on the degree of astigmatism. The mean post-operative observation period was 5.11 +/- 3.93 months (range, 1 to 24 months). The mean preoperative cylinder was 8.96 +/- 2.22 diopters and 4.91 +/- 1.79 D postoperatively. The mean cylindrical change was 4.51 +/- 2.77 D. The spherical equivalent remained unchanged in most cases. In a majority of cases, the corrected visual acuity for distance and near vision was improved. No cases of persistent graft edema caused by immunologic rejection or endothelial failure were observed. Moreover, in no case was there worsening of the best corrected visual acuity. The technique of transverse incisions in the graft to correct or reduce high postkeratoplasty astigmatism is simple, efficient, and relatively safe. The main problem was poor predictability.

Corneal Topography of Transverse Keratotomies for Astigmatism After Penetrating Keratoplasty

We used a topography system to evaluate retrospectively the pattern of power distribution seen preoperatively and postoperatively in six patients with high postkeratoplasty astigmatism. The relaxing incisions had all been placed based on visual inspection of keratoscope mires alone. Computer analysis of keratoscope photographs showed considerable individual variation in the degree of surface irregularity in preoperative topography. Our data suggest that the steep axis of the postkeratoplasty graft is better conceptualized as two steep hemimeridians. These hemimeridians were separated by an angle other than 180 degrees (two of six cases), and often showed fairly large changes in power from the most central to peripheral areas of the graft analyzed (three of six cases). Asymmetry of power between the two steep hemimeridians was seen in all cases. Areas of maximum steepening were often present in the peripheral portions of the graft in areas other than the major hemimeridians. Individual variation in preoperative corneal irregularity and asymmetry appeared to have an effect on the success of the relaxing incisions.

Topographical analysis of the effects of corneal relaxing incisions on high postkeratoplasty astigmatism.

We used simple visual inspection of keratoscope mires to determine proper placement of corneal relaxing incisions in 4 patients with high postkeratoplasty astigmatism. Retrospectively, the LSU topography analysis system was used to evaluate the pattern of power distribution seen pre- and postoperatively in this group. Analysis of preoperative photographs showed that none of the patients had a classic spherocylindrical pattern of corneal power distribution. Areas of maximum steepening of corneal slope were often present in the peripheral portions of the graft away from the steep hemimeridians suggested by visual inspection of the keratoscope photographs. Since these areas were not recognized preoperatively, steepening remained in the areas postoperatively. These results suggest that preoperative computer analysis of keratoscope photographs may be superior to visual inspection of the photographs in determining proper placement of relaxing incisions.

Radial Keratotomy-Reply

In Reply. —Our patient was first diagnosed as having keratoconus in 1962. This had advanced to keratoglobus by 1973. Following his right corneal transplant, the patient achieved 6/12 (20/40) visual acuity. Because of problems associated with a high-post keratoplasty astigmatism, central graft edema developed while the patient was wearing his contact lenses. At no time did the patient have evidence of diffuse epithelial pathologic characteristics. In our experience, this would be an example of a patient who would benefit from a relaxing corneal incision. One of us (P.S.B.) has performed 15 such procedures without any substantial effect on the anterior ocular surface. The surgeon in our case report (not one of the authors) was experienced in radial keratotomy at the time he performed the operation. Dr Thornton has stated that the use of a 2.5-mm optical zone is guaranteed to produce glare, flare, and halos. When this procedure was performed

Surgical correction of high postkeratoplasty astigmatism. Relaxing incisions vs wedge resection.

Improved techniques and procedures have resulted in a higher rate of clear grafts after penetrating keratoplasty. A clear graft, however, does not give a good visual result if high corneal astigmatism prevents the successful wearing of spectacles or contact lenses. This article describes the methods and results of two microsurgical techniques--the corneal wedge resection to steepen the flat meridian and relaxing incisions to flatten the steep meridian. Average reduction in corneal astigmatism was greater for the wedge resection (ten cases) (6.50 diopters as compared with 4.25 D [16 cases] for the relaxing incisions). The relaxing incisions operation was successful in 75% of cases with stabilization of corneal curvature readings in an average of three weeks and is an outpatient procedure. After a wedge resection, corneal stabilization usually takes months. We believe that wedge resection should be reserved for cases in which relaxing incisions are unsuccessful.