AK and RK
Low to moderate degrees of nearsightedness can be treated with the RK procedure, which stands for Radial Keratotomy. In this technique, which does not use laser energy, delicate microscopic incisions are made with a micro-fine diamond blade. These incisions are placed in proper location in the cornea in a radial fashion, like the spokes of a wheel.
AK stands for Astigmatic Keratotomy. In this technique, which does not use laser energy, small arc shaped incisions are made in the cornea to treat astigmatism. These incisions change the cornea from a spoon shape to a spherical shape, thereby allowing light to focus better. These types of incisions are combined with Radial Keratotomy incisions and sometimes are used after laser procedures to fine tune the results.
Surgical Procedures
 | 1. The patient relaxes in a reclining chair. The patient is prepared for surgery and the eye is anesthesized so there is no pain. |
| 2. A microscopic incision is made on both sides of the the cornea. |
 | 3. As the incisions heal, the corneal curvature is changed and the astigmatism reduced. |
| 1. From one to eight microscopic incisions are made in the cornea in a radial pattern like the spokes of a wheel. |
 |
2. As in AK surgery, when the incisions heal, the cornea is flattened by the healing process. |
 |
3. The surface of the cornea changes in order to correct myopia or nearsightedness. |
What are the complications of AK or RK?
Like any surgical procedure, AK or RK can be associated with side effects or complications. Serious complications or sight threatening complications such as infection or perforation of the eye, are fortunately rare. However, minor side effects such as seeing halos around lights at night, seeing a star burst effect when looking at lights, and having fluctuations in vision throughout the day are somewhat more common, though they tend to disappear in most people after a few weeks. You may request a full description of the complications of RK and AK by contacting our office.
What kind of vision can I expect after refractive surgery?
No guarantees can be made as to the results of any kind of surgical procedure whether it is done on your big toe or your eye. However, it is safe to say that the vast majority of patients have at least 20/40 vision without glasses after surgery, and many of them have 20/30 to 20/20 vision after surgery.
In general, patients with lower degrees of correction are somewhat more predictable than patients with higher degrees of correction. Patients with higher degrees of correction may require more than one procedure, but through a variety of techniques, the goal of much improved vision without glasses can be achieved in almost all cases. Dr. Denman will inform you if he feels there are any unusual circumstances which could prevent you from obtaining a good result.