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Subjective and objective findings after radial keratotomy
1Northwest Eye Center, Eugene, OR 97401.
Ophthalmology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Radial keratotomy can cause monocular diplopia, presenting as ghost images and reduced contrast. This visual disturbance is linked to specific corneal changes observed during examination.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Visual Optics
Background:
- Radial keratotomy (RK) is a refractive surgical procedure to correct myopia.
- Post-RK visual disturbances can occur, impacting patient quality of life.
- Understanding the mechanisms of these disturbances is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old ophthalmologist experienced monocular diplopia after RK.
- Symptoms included ghost images, reduced contrast, and variable subjective refraction.
- These visual anomalies were condition-dependent.
Findings:
- Objective examination revealed a scissoring retinoscopic reflex.
- A prominent iron line (Hudson-Stähli line) was noted.
- Localized corneal flattening was identified as a key objective finding.
Implications:
- Corneal flattening post-RK can induce higher-order aberrations.
- These aberrations may explain the observed ghost images and contrast loss.
- Further research can refine surgical techniques and patient selection for RK.