Changes in anterior chamber depth and axial length measurements after radial keratotomy

To evaluate the changes that occur in anterior chamber depth and globe axial length after radial keratotomy (RK) surgery in cases with different degrees of myopia.

One hundred and twelve eyes that underwent RK were studied. The eyes were divided into two groups: 70 eyes with a correction of myopia of 4.00 D and under after RK (group 1) and 42 eyes with a correction of myopia of more than 4.00 D (group 2). Routine examinations were done in all cases. Ultrasonic biometry and central anterior chamber depth and axial length were measured pre-operatively and on the third day, second week, third month and sixth month post-operatively.

Pre-operatively the average globe axial length was longer in group 2 than group 1. When all post-operative measurements were compared with pre-operative measurements in group 1, there was a decrease in anterior chamber depth and globe axial length, but no significant difference was found except on the third day (t = 3.15, p = 0.003). In group 2 there was an insignificant decrease in axial length but the decrease in anterior chamber depth was significant at all measurement times except for the sixth month.

Refractive changes related to biometric changes after RK are not important compared with the total refractive corrections of RK. These changes should be considered, however, when planning RK procedures.