[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.