Radial keratotomy and excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for the correction of myopia.

PURPOSE To compare our current knowledge of the two most common current refractive surgical procedures for the correction of myopia. METHODS I reviewed the scientific literature and my personal experience with radial keratotomy and excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy to compare these two modalities. RESULTS Both radial keratotomy and photorefractive keratectomy are capable of permanently correcting myopic refractive errors. However, each procedure has its individual advantages and disadvantages, with the greatest concern currently being the effect of wound healing on refractive outcome. The procedures are not mutually exclusive. CONCLUSIONS Both radial keratotomy and photorefractive keratectomy will be used to surgically correct myopia for the next several years until newer technology is developed to improve the predictability and stability of refractive results currently achieved with each procedure.