OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical characteristics of cataract surgery after radial keratotomy (RK) and appropriate calculation of intraocular lens (IOL) power.

METHODSEight patients with cataract (12 eyes) after RK were treated in our hospital from March, 2010 to June, 2013. The visual acuity, keratometric power and length of the ocular axis were examined before the operation. For each patient, 3 groups of corneal curvature values were measured using a automatic keratometer (TOPCON-KR8800) and the minimal K value was selected. Myopic or hyperopic posterior chamber IOL (-1.00 to -2.00 D) were selected based on automatic calculations with SRK-T. Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation were then performed, and the patients were followed up for visual acuity and refractive statuses at 3 months after the operation.

RESULTSAll the 12 operated eyes showed improved visual acuity after the operation. The uncorrected visual acuity reached 0.8 to 1.0 in 6 eyes and 0.4 to 0.6+ in the other 6, with a corrected visual acuity ranging from 0.6 to 1.0. The refractive status after operations was nearly emmetropic (+0.75 to -1.00 D) in 6 eyes and myopic in the other 6 (-1.00 to -2.50 D).

CONCLUSIONSPhacoemulsification and IOL implantation is feasible in cataract patients with previous RK. Selecting the minimal K values for central corneal curvature and calculation of the IOL power using the SRK T equation with a reservation of -1.00 to -2.00 D can better ensure the safety of the procedure and avoid the occurrence of hyperopia >+3.00D.