History and Objectives: Due to the importance of correction corneal astigmatism in improvement of vision and reported various techniques, the present study was carried out to determine the effect of radial keratotomy on patients with astigmatism on patients referred to the Matini hospital in 1996-1997.

Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out in order to compare the vision of 34 patients (60 eyes) before and after the operation who were complaining from contact lens and eyeglass usage. Personal records, vision acuity with and without correction, type and extent of astigmatism were recorded. The criteria for operation was diopter of 1.25 and the best value for correction was set at 40/20. Radial keratotomy was carried out using 7mm Ophcal Zone on the basis of Lindstrom nomogram. Patients were followed for six month after the operation and the effect of surgery was assessed on vision, the extent and type of astigmatism and probable surgical side effects were recorded. T-test and McNemar statistical test were carried out in order to determine the effect of keratotomy.

Results: From 34 patients (9 male, 25 female mean age 30±5.2) 98.3% of patients had corrected vision by eyeglasses and contact lens use of more than 40/20. After surgery 82.5% of patients retained vision of 40/20. Mean esfer with astigmatism before the operation was 3.8±2.05 diopter of myopia and after operation was 2±0.8. in 21.6% of patients side effects such as micro-perfusion and epithelial abnormality was observed.

Conclusion: Surgical operation in order to correct astigmatism by radial keratotomy on the basis of Lindstrom nomogram is very effective and has minimal side effects. The results in the reduction of astigmatism by improvement of vision are such that it is recommended for corneal vision problems.