BACKGROUND Progressive hyperopia is a common complication following radial keratotomy. METHODS Ten eyes of ten consecutive patients with hyperopia after radial keratotomy between +1.75 and +4.00 diopters (D) were treated with the hyperopia module of the Nidek Model EC-5000 excimer laser. The mean preoperative uncorrected visual acuity was 0.38 (20/60+). RESULTS After excimer laser photorefr...

In this article, reprinted from Ophthalmic Risk Management Digest, the bases for radial keratotomy-related claims and guidelines for avoiding such claims are discussed. In most lawsuits, it is not the procedure itself that is on trial, but the use of unusual technique, improper execution, or inadequacy of informed consent.

A technique is described to determine the change in image contrast as a result of the spherical aberration induced by the radial keratotomy procedure. The hypothesis that the loss in contrast sensitivity of the RK eye is due to the change in spherical aberration postsurgically, is found to be acceptable for some patients. However, this is not a sufficient explanation in all cases. This conclusi...

BACKGROUND A systematic method of performing radial keratotomy enhancements in undercorrected eyes may increase accuracy and predictability and decrease the number of procedures required. A consecutive series of 372 radial keratotomy procedures, including 110 eyes that received enhancements under a systematic protocol, was evaluated. METHODS Radial keratotomy was performed using the Reliable ...

Three hundred consecutive cases of radial keratotomy performed between 1985 and 1990 were reviewed. There were no sight threatening complications of surgery and no patient lost one or more lines of corrected Snellen acuity. Overall 78.7% saw 6/12 or better unaided postoperatively and 51.7% saw 6/6 or better. Refraction showed 61.3% to be within 1 dioptre of emmetropia and 86.7% were within 2 di...

Report of a Case. A 39-year-old man with a history of RK performed elsewhere 8 years prior had complaints of decreased vision in both eyes. The patient’s preoperative refraction was –9.25 OD and –9.50 OS. According to the patient, the initial surgery was uncomplicated, although both eyes required enhancements. Cycloplegic refraction in our office was –3.50 +0.50 70 OD and –13.50 +1.00 100 OS, g...