Changes in Astigmatism after Surgery in Pediatric Patients with Limbal Dermoid

Purpose: To analyze changes in astigmatism and visual acuity in pediatric patients with limbal dermoid before and after surgery.Methods: Twenty-five pediatric patients (7 male, 18 female) diagnosed with limbal dermoid from March 2018 to February 2022 were included. We analyzed best corrected visual acuity and astigmatism using cycloplegic refraction, automated keratometry, and topography before and after surgery.Results: In cycloplegic refraction and automated keratometry, postoperative astigmatism did not decrease significantly (p = 0.53 and p = 0.38, respectively). Topography showed a significant decrease in corneal astigmatism from 3.6 ± 2.8 diopters (D) to 2.7 ± 1.8 D (p < 0.05) and in irregular astigmatism from 3.7 ± 2.2 D to 2.5 ± 1.5 D (p < 0.001). Significant decreases were observed in the corneal irregularity index from 0.14 ± 0.10 mm to 0.08 ± 0.47 mm (p < 0.001) and in the index of surface variance from 60.56 ± 41.02 to 35.00 ± 16.00 (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant improvement in best corrected visual acuity from logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.18 to logMAR 0.07 (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Surgery for limbal dermoid significantly reduced irregular astigmatism and improved best-corrected visual acuity. It is suggested that achieving visual development through active amblyopia treatment after surgery is important.