Histopathology of traumatic corneal rupture after radial keratotomy
P. S. Binder, G. O. Waring 3rd, P. N. Arrowsmith and C. Wang
Ophthalmology Research Laboratory, Sharp Cabrillo Hospital, San Diego.
Two patients (three eyes) had previously undergone technically successful
radial keratotomy procedures and subsequently sustained blunt injury to the
eyes in motor vehicle accidents one and two years after surgery,
respectively, with rupture of the cornea along the keratotomy scars. One
case subsequently required penetrating keratoplasty to recover 20/50 visual
acuity. The second patient died, but had he survived, the extensive ocular
injuries would have required significant surgical and medical care to
restore vision. Histologic and ultrastructural studies demonstrated
incomplete wound healing in the three corneas. Individuals who have had
radial keratotomy, like those who have had penetrating keratoplasty, are at
increased risk of corneal rupture after direct ocular trauma.
