There are currently available a number of different keratorefractive procedures which can be used to help reduce or correct refractive error. Patients with nearsightedness and astigmatism are currently the best candidates for refractive surgery. Radial keratotomy has been performed in the United States for over 20 years with thousands of patients of having undergone the procedure.
Radial keratotomy is a form of incisional refractive surgery.
Radially oriented incisions of varying length and number are placed in the peripheral portion of the cornea. The indirect effect of these peripheral incisions induces a central flattening of the cornea which reduces the amount of near-sightedness. As with any method to correct refractive error, there are advantages and disadvantages to radial keratotomy. In a small percentage of patients, a drift toward farsightedness has been observed over a period of 10 years The techniques for radial keratotomy have improved dramatically in the last 10 years. Newer instrumentation allows more accurate placement of the radial incisions and improved blade technology has increased the accuracy of the surgeon's ability to make fine incisions.