Corneal sensitivity after radial keratotomy.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Vision Correction

Background:

• Radial keratotomy (RK) is a surgical procedure to correct myopia.
• RK combined with transverse incisions is used for myopia and astigmatism correction.
• Understanding the impact on corneal sensitivity is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate corneal sensitivity changes after RK and RK with transverse incisions.
• To identify factors influencing corneal sensation loss and recovery.
• To assess the safety of these procedures regarding corneal sensitivity.

Main Methods:

• Corneal sensitivity testing was performed on 76 eyes of 40 patients.
• Patients underwent either RK or RK plus transverse incisions.
• Sensitivity was assessed at 6 and 12 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• A decrease in corneal sensitivity was observed in 30.9% (6 months) and 9.5% (12 months) after RK alone.
• Sensitivity recovery was approximately 70% at 6 months post-RK.
• RK with transverse incisions showed higher sensitivity loss (79.4% at 6 months, 47.0% at 12 months) with a 40.7% recovery rate.
• Incision depth and preoperative astigmatism correlated with sensitivity loss and recovery.
• No complications related to decreased sensitivity were reported.

Conclusions:

• Both RK and RK with transverse incisions can lead to temporary corneal sensitivity reduction.
• Transverse incisions for astigmatism correction appear to have a more pronounced effect on corneal sensation.
• Factors like incision depth and initial astigmatism influence the degree of sensory deficit and recovery.
• The procedures demonstrated a good safety profile concerning corneal sensitivity.