[Radial keratotomy for the treatment of Excimer laser undercorrections].

BACKGROUND

Effectiveness of radial keratotomy for undercorrections following photorefractive keratectomy.

METHODS

Twenty myopic eyes from minus 4.75 to minus 8.25 were treated by Excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy and regressed to a mean myopic refraction of minus 2.20 +/- 0.81 after a follow-up of 10 to 22 months (mean: 16.25). Radial keratotomy was performed using Hoffmann Fyodorov Thornton nomogram. Blade depth was set according to pachymetry performed before surgery under microscopic examination, paracentrally on the meridian of each incision.

RESULTS

Postoperative results were evaluated after 6 to 20 months follow-up. After radial keratotomy mean refractive error was minus 0.30 +/- 0.43 and minus 0.32 +/- 0.25 at 3-6 and 6-12 months respectively. Visual acuity, without correction, was prior to radial keratotomy: 2.18 +/- 0.99; 8.125 +/- 0.6 at 3-6 months and 8.43 +/- 1.57 at 6-12 months after radial keratotomy.

CONCLUSION

Radial keratotomy appears to be a safe, simple and predictible technique to treat undercorrections following Excimer laser photokeratectomy.