Visual, refractive, and keratometric results of radial keratotomy

Prospective evaluation of radial keratotomy was conducted on 156 consecutive eyes of 101 patients. Before surgery, mean spherical equivalent (SE) was -5.0 diopters and uncorrected distance acuity was 20/200 or worse in 96% of eyes. All eyes were examined six months after surgery. Overall six-month postoperative distance acuity was 20/20 in 43% and 20/40 or better in 73% of eyes; 51% of eyes were within 1.0 D of emmetropia; mean change in SE was +4.8 D. When preoperative myopia was less than 6.0 D, six-month uncorrected acuity was 20/20 in 53% and 20/40 or better in 84% of eyes; 63% were within 1.0 D of emmetropia. Visual, refractive, and keratometric findings appeared stable at six months. Predictability appeared best when preoperative myopia was less than 6 D. Complications were few, none resulted in reduced best-corrected acuity, and most were transient and/or well tolerated. In this series, radial keratotomy appeared safe short-term. Ongoing evaluation is being conducted to determine long-term safety and efficacy.