Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK)

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

Photorefractive Keratotomy (PRK)

The Excimer laser is used to reduce myopia is a procedure called Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK). Using an invisible, high-energy light, the laser precisely sculpts the cornea. No surgical blades are used in PRK.

For mild to moderate myopia, PRK and RK have similar results although the cornea should be able to withstand injury better after PRK that after RK.

Because the laser disrupts the center or optical zone of your cornea, hazy vision is a common but temporary effect of PRK. It usually improves within several months.

There are several thousand people in the United States who have had Excimer laser surgery through research studies authorized and reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a recent study conducted by the FDA, 95% of the operated eyes were corrected to 20/40 or better. The study also showed that up to 63% of the patients experienced blurry vision after surgery, and 10% of the patients reported haloes around lights. These symptoms subsided in most patients over a period of six months.