Radial keratotomy (RK) is a procedure which reduces myopia by surgically changing the curvature of the cornea over the pupil. Using a microscope and microscopic instruments, the surgeon makes several deep incisions (keratotomies) in the cornea in a radial or spoke-like pattern.

Several hundred thousand people have had RK since its introduction in North America in 1978. During that time, many modifications have been introduced and predictability has improved. Today, approximately 85% of the people selected for RK can, following surgery, pass a standard driver’s license exam that requires 20/40 vision without glasses or contacts.

RK Surgery

RK surgery is an outpatient procedure which, in most cases, takes no more than thirty minutes to perform. When you arrive for your appointment, you will probably receive medication to help you relax. You will then be given anesthesia in the form of eyedrops to numb your eye. Before your surgeon begins the procedure, he or she will mark the optical zone on your cornea. The optical zone, in the center of the cornea, is the part that you actually see through. No cuts will be made in this area. Next, the surgeon will measure the thickness of your cornea to determine how deep to make the incisions. Finally, under a microscope, the surgeon will make precise incisions with a calibrated diamond blade.

RK flattens the center of the cornea to reduce its refractive power.

The normal pressure inside the eye causes the area around the incisions to bow or steepen, as the center or optical zone of the cornea flattens. This flattening reduces the refractive power of the cornea and allows light rays to focus closer to, or directly on, the retina.

When the surgery is over and the anesthesia has worn off, you may feel slight pain. If you do, you will be given eyedrops and medications to alleviate your discomfort. For some days, your eyes may feel gritty, sensitive to light, and look a bit red. To guard against infection, you will be given eyedrops. You may be required to use these drops for several weeks.

Astigmatic Keratotomy

A similar technique, astigmatic keratotomy (AK), is used to reduce astigmatism. In this procedure, the surgeon makes incisions in a curved rather than a radial pattern.

AK can be combined with RK to reduce myopia with astigmatism. Complications at the time of surgery are rare but can be serious.

Side Effects

After RK and AK, the cornea heals slowly, and concerns remain about the side effects of this delayed corneal healing. There may be:

* Fluctuating vision, especially during the first few months after surgery
* A weakened cornea, more vulnerable to rupture if hit directly
* Infection
* Difficulty in fitting contact lenses
* Glare or starburst around lights
* Temporary pain
* Complications

While rare, complications can occur as a result of having RK and AK. These may include:

* Cataract
* Persistent pain
* Serious infection
* Traumatic rupture of an incision
* Loss of vision
* Long-Term Results

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