Radial Keratotomy

RK (radial keratotomy) is a procedure that can help people with mild to moderate degrees of nearsightedness (myopia).

We perform Radial Keratotomy by making four or more micro-incisions with an adjustable, guarded diamond instrument. The incisions ideally penetrate 90% or more of the cornea's thickness. This relaxes the outer cornea, allowing the central area of the cornea to flatten. The cornea immediately starts healing in this new flatter shape. Light can then focus on the retina instead of in front of it. This permanently reduces the need to wear glasses or contact lenses to see at a distance.

What are the side effects of RK?

• Fluctuation in vision.
• Sensitivity to bright lights.
• Foreign body sensation (itchiness).
• Slight regression.
• Some blurring with nighttime driving.
• Infection - Rare. Sterile procedures and antibiotic medication mean infections are extremely rare. Cases of lost vision are practically unknown.
• Perforations - Rare. Perforations rarely occur during RK. Perforations do not adversely affect the final results. Antibiotic drops are prescribed to ward off possible infection.
• Undercorrection and Overcorrection - The flattening effect of RK tends to be greatest immediately following surgery. As the incisions heal, the cornea sometimes moves back (regresses) toward its original shape. If an eye is undercorrected, an enhancement usually provides the extra correction needed. If enhancements are needed, Dr. Shofner performs them at no additional charge.

Significant overcorrection is rare.

• Induced Astigmatism - Rare. After RK the eye usually heals symmetrically. Sometimes it does not and a degree of astigmatism is induced in the cornea. The amount of induced astigmatism is generally small and usually does not significantly affect the improved vision. If it does, it can usually be treated with an enhancement.

Correcting Myopia (RK) During RK, tiny spokelike incisions are made in the cornea. When these incisions heal, the center of the cornea flattens. A flatter cornea means distant objects are clearer.

What Can affect my Radial Keratotomy results?

Your RK results depend on many factors. When planning your surgery, we consider all of them. The two most important factors are how nearsighted you are and you age. The thickness of your cornea and whether you are male or female are among the other factors we consider when we create your personal RK plan.

Older patients with moderate or severe nearsightedness often have better RK results because they have mature, more rigid corneas.

Always be sure to ask any questions you or your family may have about RK!

Correcting Astigmatism (AK) During AK, curved or straight incisions are made in the cornea. These incisions help round out an oval cornea. A rounder cornea means objects are no longer distorted.

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