AIM: To investigate the efficacy of radial keratotomy(RK)for the optical and visual rehabilitation of mild to moderate keratoconus.

METHODS: Thirty-one eyes of 22 keratoconus patients with at least 12mo follow-up were recruited and reviewed retrospectively. Uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best spectacle corrected visual acuity(BSCVA), autorefractometer values, keratometric values, corneal irregularity indexes, and complications were analyzed pre- and post-operatively.

RESULTS: At the last follow-up visit, mean UVCA(logMAR)improved significantly from 0.86±0.34 to 0.30±0.29(P<0.0001), and mean BSCVA(logMAR)improved from 0.47±0.21 to 0.17±0.23,(P<0.0001). Mean keratometric values decreased from 48.69±3.68 to 44.33±3.09 diopters(P<0.0001). Mean spherical equivalent measured by autorefractometer was also improved significantly from -5.61±2.85 to -2.29±1.95 at the last follow-up visit(P<0.0001). Central corneal thickness and corneal irregularity index of 3mm and 5mm zones did not change during the overall follow-up time. No serious intraoperative or postoperative complication was observed.

CONCLUSION: RK is assessed as an effective treatment method for the optical and visual rehabilitation of mild to moderate keratoconus cases, according to our results in a selected group of keratoconus patients.