RADIAL AND ASTIGMATIC KERATOTOMY EXPERIENCE BY RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS AT A TEACHING INSTITUTION

Purpose: To retrospectively study 30 cases of radial and astigmatic ke ratotomy performed by third-year ophthalmology residents and cornea fe llows. Setting: Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisia na. Methods: Patients were selected based on correction for stable myo pia without or with astigmatism. Four or eight radial incisions were m ade using the Russian (uphill) method, The astigmatic cuts were straig ht transverse, Results: Uncorrected visual acuity postoperatively was 20/40 or better in 28 eyes (93%), Two patients (visual acuity 20/50 an d 20/70) were scheduled for secondary procedures but were lost to foll ow-up. Complications included three microperforations without sequelae . Conclusion: Radial and astigmatic keratotomy to correct myopia or my opia with astigmatism can be safe and effective in the hands of a begi nning surgeon.