Traumatic dehiscence of incisions seven years after radial keratotomy

We studied the clinical and pathologic features of a traumatically ruptured eye seven years after radial keratotomy. The radial keratotomy incisions were identified and topographically related to perforation sites. Three radial keratotomy incisions were perforated. Seven additional incisions were partially separated. Radial keratotomy incision depths ranged from 50% to 90% in the remaining incisions. All incisions showed disruption of Bowman's membrane, 15 of 16 showed malapposition of Bowman's membrane, and 14 of 16 showed epithelial plugging. In this case the healing and strength of radial keratotomy incisions were suboptimal seven years after the procedure.