Radial thermokeratoplasty is a new refractive surgical technique designed to reduce hyperopia and/or astigmatism. Four patients underwent this surgery between February and March 1988 and were monitored postoperatively for the refractive effect and evidence of endothelial cell damage. Immediately following surgery, all eyes were overcorrected, but with time regression of the effect occurred. By 10 to 12 months postoperatively, only 18% of the desired effect remained. No decrease in the central endothelial cell density occurred during this time. Further investigation into the predictability and stability of results is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this technique.