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Published on: September 20, 2024
Long-Term Corneal Refractive Power Changes Two Decades After Radial Keratotomy With Microperforations
Yuri Iwamoto1, Shizuka Koh, Ryota Inoue
1Department of Ophthalmology (Y.I., S.K., T.S., Y.O., K.N.), Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan; Department of Innovative Visual Science (S.K., R.I.), Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan; and SEED Co., Ltd (R.I.), Tokyo, Japan.
Long-term follow-up of radial keratotomy (RK) with microperforations (MPs) reveals persistent corneal refractive power fluctuations. Even over 20 years post-surgery, MPs are linked to increased irregularity and vision changes, necessitating ongoing patient monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Refractive Error Analysis
Background:
- Radial keratotomy (RK) was a common refractive surgery procedure.
- Microperforations (MPs) are a potential complication or variation in RK.
- Long-term outcomes of RK with MPs are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term corneal refractive power changes after radial keratotomy (RK) with microperforations (MPs).
- To assess the impact of MPs on corneal shape and refractive stability over two decades post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of three patients with >20 years follow-up after RK with MPs.
- Corneal refractive power of anterior and posterior surfaces (6-mm diameter) analyzed using Fourier analysis.
- Corneal shape analysis performed with anterior segment optical coherence tomography.
Main Results:
- Spherical component of refractive power decreased in all patients.
- Cases with bilateral MPs showed markedly greater asymmetry and higher-order irregularities.
- Significant fluctuations in corneal refractive power persisted beyond 20 years post-RK with MPs.
Conclusions:
- Microperforations (MPs) in radial keratotomy (RK) can lead to long-term corneal instability.
- Corneal refractive power fluctuations and irregularities persist for over 20 years after RK with MPs.
- Careful, long-term observation is crucial for patients who underwent RK with MPs due to potential delayed complications.
