Stability of refraction after bidirectional radial keratotomy

J. B. Lasky*, H. R. Katz, D. A. Abrams, K. D. Epley

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the stability of refraction using a combined Russian (uphill) and American (downhill) radial keratotomy (RK) technique for myopia with comparison to results of the PERK study (Waring et al, 1994) which used the American RK technique. Methods: A retrospective analysis of refractive data from 1993 to 1995 on 168 consecutive eyes undergoing RK by a single surgeon. A bidirectional technique was used to correct myopia of -1.13 to -7.75 diopters. Cycloplegic refractions were used in all cases. Results: Of 168 eyes, 102 were evaluated at 3 months, 67 at 15 months and 55 at both visits. At 3 months (55 eyes) the average refraction was -0.52 ± 0.57 diopters and at 15 months (55 eyes) the average refraction was -0.39 ± 0.68 diopters. From 3 to 15 months, there was a change of +0.13 diopters per year in those patients measured at both time intervals (p=0.04). Conclusion: The hyperopic shift in our study of +0.13 diopters per year using a bidirectional technique, was less than reported in the PERK study (+0.21 diopters per year during the first 2 years) using a technique with downhill incisions only. However, there was still a statistically significant shift of refractive error in the hyperopic direction during the first postoperative year.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Volume37
Issue number3
StatePublished - Feb 15 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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