Radial keratotomy in high myopia

The visual, refractive, and keratometric results of radial keratotomies (RK) in 10 high myopic eyes of over 10 diopters(D) were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 6.7 months with a range of 3 to 12 months. Before surgery, the mean spherical equivalent(SE) was -16.8 D and the postoperative mean change in SE was 7.9 D. In all cases postoperative uncorrected visual acuity and corrected visual acuity with tolerable glasses were improved. In 4 of the cases, best-corrected visual acuity was improved as well. RK appears to be a safe and effective procedure for eyes with high myopia of over 10 D to achieve better corrected visual acuity than with corrective lenses as well as for eyes with moderate myopia to be closer to emmetropia.