Visual, refractive, and keratometric results of radial keratotomy. Five-year follow-up

This article presents five-year findings on the first 156 radial keratotomies in our series. Results are compared with findings on these same eyes at one and three years and with results from other studies. Follow-up at five years was on 123 eyes (79%). Before surgery, the mean spherical equivalent was -5.0 diopters (D). Five years after surgery, the mean change in the spherical equivalent was 5.17 D, and 53% of eyes were within 1 D of emmetropia. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 96% of eyes before surgery. At five years, 36% had 20/20 acuity or better, and 75% were 20/40 or better. Best corrected acuity was at least 20/20 in 90% of eyes before surgery. At five years, 85% retained at least 20/20 best corrected acuity. Although some patients still have shown refractive and visual acuity changes through five years after surgery, the overall group has been stable.