[Failures, complications and side effects of radial keratotomy]

The authors present the 10-years results of radial keratotomy in the light of the world literature. The refractive and functional efficacy of this procedure as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications are discussed. The problem of the influence of the radial keratotomy on the endothelium is presented in the light of clinical and experimental investigations. The daily fluctuation of the refraction has been discussed in the aspect of diurnal variations of the intraocular pressure and the changes in corneal thickness resulting from its hydratation. The problem of binocular vision in conditions of postoperative anisometropia is also presented.