What patients should know about radial keratotomy.

Radial keratotomy is a relatively new, widely advertised procedure that promises patients with myopia 20/20 vision without corrective lenses. However, radial keratotomy sometimes does not fulfill this promise. New studies have reported numerous cases in which patients were not helped or were actually harmed by radial keratotomy. Also, its long-term effects are unknown. Family physicians should advise patients to approach the procedure with caution.