Radial keratotomy: preliminary report of complications.

We have observed the following complications with radial keratotomy which require further evaluation: missing the visual axis while marking the central cornea, regression of myopic flattening, epithelial defects, recurrent erosions, stromal overgrowth, Cogan's map-dot fingerprint corneal dystrophy with Moncreiff iron lines, blood in the incisions, vascular ingrowth, perforation of the anterior chamber, induction of astigmatic errors, epithelial ingrowth, glare complaints and decreased night vision, pain, fluctuating vision from morning to evening, overcorrection and unpredictable results, contact lens refitting difficulties, endothelial cell loss, and corneal scarring. We feel these complications require extensive further study before the relative safety and long-term efficacy of this experimental procedure may be determined.