Four incision radial keratotomy.

Radial keratotomy is a constantly evolving procedure. This paper investigates the value of four incision radial keratotomy. The possible advantages of fewer incisions include increased corneal stability, lower risk of perforation, less potential of endothelial cell loss, decreased chance of overcorrection, and simplification of the procedure. We evaluated the results of four incision radial keratotomy in 55 eyes of 31 patients. Follow-up ranged from one to 18 months. Results in low myopia (-2.00 to -3.12 diopters) show 93% of the patients were 20/40 or better, 90% were within +/- 1 diopter of emmetropia, and no patients were overcorrected greater than 1 diopter. In moderate myopia (-3.25 to -4.37 diopters), 84% of the patients were 20/40 or better, 92% were within +/- 1 diopter of emmetropia, and no patients were overcorrected greater than 1 diopter. Regression analysis was performed and it was determined that the postoperative result was equal to .262 + [1.293 x preop spherical equivalent] - [1.166 x optical zone] + [0.56 x depth] + [.038 x age], R = .87.