A basic understanding of radial keratotomy

Radial keratotomy surgery was first performed in the United States in 1978. Although all the questions regarding surgical flattening of the cornea have not been answered, a great deal of what happens is understood. Currently, eight factors are noted either pre- or intraoperatively which appear to have a correlation with the outcome of the surgery. These factors along with a discussion of available surgical procedures and the most common intra- and postoperative complications, both normal and abnormal, are discussed.