[Progressive hyperopia after radial keratotomy. A new etiological hypothesis: early keratoconus].

As we routinely perform preop computer-assisted video-topography of the cornea in candidates for refractive surgery, we were able to recognize early keratoconus in more than 10% of the cases. Many undetected early keratoconus have been operated on in the 80's. We suggest a possible correlation between early keratoconus and increasing effect of radial keratotomy. The arguments of presumption are founded on clinical observations, knowledge about pathogenesis of keratoconus related to the mechanism of action of radial keratotomy, and epidemiologic considerations.