Use of reverse geometry rigid gas permeable contact lenses in the management of the postradial keratotomy patient: review and case report

Radial keratotomy (RK) is a well-known procedure for reducing myopia. However, the complications associated with the procedure and the development of newer technologies, such as photorefractive keratectomy and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, has resulted in the technique of RK falling out of favor. A number of patients who received RK during the 1980s are now experiencing a shift in their prescription and are presenting to primary care practitioners for contact lens fitting. These patients pose a significant challenge to the contact lens practitioner, and novel methods frequently are required to fit corneas that exhibit such abnormal topography. This article reviews the potential problems associated with fitting patients who have received RK and describes a case in which a novel lens design was used to achieve a successful lens fit.