Psychosocial findings in radial keratotomy patients two years after surgery

In a psychosocial study of patients who participated in an evaluation of the visual, refractive and keratometric results of radial keratotomy, respondents stated that their primary reasons for electing the operation related to anticipated changes in vision. Improving appearance was not reported as a primary reason for seeking radial keratotomy by these patients. When asked two years after surgery if their vision had improved, remained the same, or worsened, 94.3% reported improvement over preoperative vision. About 40% still wear corrective lens, 26% full time and 14% only part of the time. Most patients (84.1%) reported overall satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Patient satisfaction was strongly related to perceived improvement of vision after surgery, and not to patient self-esteem, to changes in appearance or lifestyle brought about by the operation, or to having a particular physician perform the surgery.