Rupture of radial keratotomy incisions by blunt trauma 6 years after combined photorefractive keratectomy/radial keratotomy.

PURPOSE: To report a case of traumatic corneal rupture that occurred 6 years previous, following combined radial keratotomy (RK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

METHODS

A 28-year-old man experienced a severe direct trauma to the right eye. Upon initial examination, a ruptured globe was diagnosed. Four of the eight radial incisions were ruptured with extrusion of intraocular tissues. The patient was also diagnosed with a fracture of the medial wall of the right orbit. The patient received immediate surgery during which the radial incisions that had been torn were stitched with a suture.

RESULTS

Following the postoperative period, the patient had visual acuity of light perception.

CONCLUSION

PRK, carried out on a cornea already treated with RK, may increase the likelihood of rupture in blunt trauma.