[Results of reoperation for under correction of radial keratotomies. Apropos of 25 cases].

Twenty-two under corrected patients (25 eyes) after radial keratotomy, were reoperated according to the Stan Franks surgical technique. The results and the possible factors of predictability of this method of reoperation were evaluated. The residual myopia was less than one diopter in 88% of cases (20% before reoperation). The non corrected visual acuity was superior or equal to 20/40 in 88% of cases (32% before reoperation). The mean dioptrie gain after reoperation was 1.30 diopters. Statistical analysis showed that the refractive gain significantly increased with: the initial residual myopia, the delay between the first radial keratotomy and the reoperation, the number of incisions concerned. Age, sex, corneal thickness, initial protocol and presumed cause of undercorrection were not correlated to the refractive gain. (concerning the mean dioptrie gain). The comparison between data derived from different studies, showed no significant differences between the techniques of reoperation. Induced astigmatism with loss of best corrected visual acuity in 12% of cases was the main complication. The causes of under correction after radial keratotomy, and the effectiveness of the Stan Franks method of reoperation are discussed. The authors emphasize the interindividual corneal reaction to radial keratotomy.