Clinical Results of Radial Keratotomy in High Myopia

ABSTRACT

Anterior radial keratotomy for high myopia (over -6.25 diopter) to reduce the refractive error was not able to dispense with glasses or contact lenses due to high myopia itself. However they could see the objects well and be free of a dizziness with wearing a relatively reduced power of glasses. Authors had performed on anterior radial keratotomy for 239 high myopic and/or astigmatic eyes of 143 patients at Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital between Nov. 1984 and Dec. 1990. Eight radial lines cut with diamond blade was performed and Ruiz technique was added for the astigmatism over 2.0 diopters. The depth of incision was 90 to 95% of corneal thickness and the optical zone was 3mm in diameter. Most of patients were followed up on postoperative 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and thereafter. Uncorrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better after radial keratotomy could be obtained in 19.2% of high myopic eyes. In addition, mean reduction of spherical equivalent of cycloplegic refraction and keratometric reading after radial keratotomy were 5.1 diopters and 3.85 diopters, respectively. About 90% of patients were satisfied with their visual outcome with reduced refractive power of glasses. We recommend radial keratotomy on high myopic patients to reduce the refractive power and to enjoy a comfortable life.