The Casebeer system for predictable keratorefractive surgery. One-year evaluation of 205 consecutive eyes.
OBJECTIVE
This study documents the results of current radial keratotomy (RK) surgical technology, using the Casebeer keratorefractive system. These results are contrasted to those of the Prospective Evaluation of Radial Keratotomy (PERK) keratorefractive system, developed approximately 12 years ago.


METHODS
Two hundred five consecutive surgical procedures were examined, which was the first year of experience with RK for one of the authors (TPW). All procedures fit within the Casebeer nomograms. Enhancement procedures were performed following the Casebeer system nomograms.


RESULTS
Follow-up for 100% of patients was achieved. Postoperative cycloplegic refractions yielded an average of +0.27 +/- 0.58 diopters (D) of residual refractive correction (range, -0.88 to +2.50 D). One year postoperatively, 20/25 or better uncorrected visual acuity was achieved in 86% of patients and 20/40 or better uncorrected visual acuity was achieved in 99% of patients. Bothersome but not incapacitating side effects, such as glare, starbursting, and fluctuating vision, have been commonly observed with RK.


CONCLUSIONS
The Casebeer system for keratorefractive surgery, which is easy to learn, can yield an extremely accurate surgical result. The major reason for increased accuracy compared with the PERK system is the surgeon's ability to titrate the primary surgical procedure with enhancement operations. Although RK is by no means a perfect surgical technique, side effects tend to be relatively minimal, and patient satisfaction tends to be extremely high.
Werblin
T P
TP
Stafford
G M
GM
D000328:Adult; D001251:Astigmatism / Q000601:surgery*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007646:Keratotomy, Radial / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000601:surgery*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D014792:Visual Acuity