Analysis of incision depth following experimental radial keratotomy

Eight-incision radial keratotomy was performed on a series of cadaver eyes using ultrasonic pachymetry and both metal and diamond blades. There were no statistically significant differences in mean corneal flattening (approximately 9.5 diopters) obtained with either the diamond or metal blades. Short diamond knife incisions produced less flattening that was statistically significant (5.8 diopters). Histologic analysis of incision depth revealed similar results with both the diamond (84%) and metal (86%) blades.