Radial Keratotomy and Astigmatic Keratotomy

Refractive surgery is surgical correction of the eye which involves reshaping the cornea in order to alleviate the need for glasses to see at distance. The myopic eye itself is too long to allow clear focus of incoming light rays onto the retina. Refractive surgery seeks to alter the shape of the cornea and strengthen its ability to sharply focus the incoming light onto the retina. Radial keratotomy (RK) is one of several surgical techniques used for the correction of myopia.

Radial keratotomy involves altering the shape of cornea by making microscopic incisions on the surface of the cornea with a diamond blade. These incisions are made in a spoke-like manner outside the optical zone of the cornea. The result is a flattening of the patient's cornea, and the elimination or reduction of the patient's myopia.

Astigmatic keratotomy (AK) is done to correct astigmatism. In AK parallel incisions are made in the peripheral cornea to allow the cornea to assume a more natural spherical shape. Thus, blurred or distorted visual imagery is eliminated. When AK
and RK are used simultaneously in a patient with myopia and astigmatism, both ophthalmic problems can be reduced or eliminated.

Visual recovery following RK is very rapid with many patients achieving noticeable visual improvement overnight. RK has been performed in the United States for nearly 20 years, and Dr. Yavitz has personally performed over 10,000 refractive surgical procedures. In addition, Dr. Yavitz is one of a few ophthalmic surgeons in the United States to be board certified in refractive and LASIK surgery by the American College of Eye Surgeons.

Consider the experience of Yavitz Eye Center. We provide you with a conservative evaluation of what to expect from your refractive correction. A decision regarding your vision should be based on experience, information, and choice.