RK and AK: Two More Choices

RK and AK offer two more choices for refractive surgeries. Radial Keratotomy (RK) is a procedure for people who suffer from mild or moderate myopia. This type of procedure has been in existence for 30 years. During RK, tiny holes or incisions are made around the cornea using a radial pattern. These incisions are what cause the change in the cornea's curvature. RK has basically been overtaken by the safety and the precision of the LASIK procedure. Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) is another refractive surgery. It is appropriate for those with astigmatism. When someone has astigmatism, their cornea is curved more in one direction compared to the other, which results in visual distortions. During AK one or more incisions is made into the cornea. These incisions help eliminate the curving in the cornea, which results in clearer vision. The procedure generally takes 5 minutes for one eye. Only one eye is done on the day of the surgery, you must return at a later date for the other eye.