Radial keratotomy enhancement by laser in situ keratomileusis

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictability, efficacy, and safety of LASIK in the management of both undercorrection and overcorrection following RK. This prospective study included 30 eyes of 18 patients. All patients underwent previous RK surgery to treat myopia and all of them had residual refractive defect after surgery. Patients were divided according to this residual refractive defect into two groups Group 1 [undercorrection group] included 17 eyes and group 2 [overcorrection group] included 13 eyes. All eyes underwent LASIK to correct the residual defect. The mean interval between RK and LASIK was 26 +/- 9.1 months [range 12-60 months]. All the patients were followed up for at least six months postoperatively. At the end of the 6-month follow-up period, in group 1, 14 eyes [82%] were within the +/- ID zone of intended correction, 13 eyes [76%] had UCVA of more than 0.5, and 16 eyes [94%] showed improvement or no change in BCVA. In group 2, 10 eyes [77%] were within the +/- ID zone of intended correction, 9 eyes [69%] had UCVA of more than 0.5 and 12 eyes [93%] showed improvement or no change in BCVA. Laser in situ keratomileusis performed to treat undercorrection and overcorrection after RK was predictable, effective and safe. However, special precautions should be taken pre- and intraoperatively to ensure its safety