Residual myopia after radial keratotomy is one of the major problems of this technique, it may be corrected with laser keratectomy.
Materials and methods: We present the results of nine eyes treated with photorefractive keratectomy, due to undercorrection after radial keratotomy. The photoablation was performed with the laser VISX 20/20, wavelength 193 mm, and concerned a residual spherical equivalent myopia (after RK) with an average of -2.00 diopters and a range of 0.87 to -3.75 D.
Results: Six months postoperatively, the average spherical equivalent refraction was no greater than -0.75 D and a range of -0.25 D to -2.12 D; 66.7% were within +/- 0.5 D of emmetropia, with a uncorrected visual acuity > 10/20. The best corrected visual acuity remained nearly the same. Postoperatively functional symptomatology and healing processus are comparable to the first intention of photoablation.
Conclusion: The safety and effectiveness of laser Excimer photoablation seem to be demonstrated and this procedure could be used to complement RK.