Radial and astigmatic keratotomy experience by residents and fellows at a teaching institution

Purpose: To retrospectively study 30 cases of radial and astigmatic keratotomy performed by third-year ophthalmology residents and cornea fellows. Setting: Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. Methods: Patients were selected based on correction for stable myopia without or with astigmatism. Four or eight radial incisions were made using the Russian (uphill) method, The astigmatic cuts were straight transverse, Results: Uncorrected visual acuity postoperatively was 20/40 or better in 28 eyes (93%), Two patients (visual acuity 20/50 and 20/70) were scheduled for secondary procedures but were lost to follow-up. Complications included three microperforations without sequelae. Conclusion: Radial and astigmatic keratotomy to correct myopia or myopia with astigmatism can be safe and effective in the hands of a beginning surgeon.