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Evolution
of Refractive Surgery
RK - Radial Keratotomy
Radial Keratotomy (RK)/ Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) - are
surgical ways of correcting mild Nearsightedness and mild
Astigmatism. The procedure is performed by making a series of microscopic
incisions in the peripheral part of the cornea. These incisions
purposely weaken the structure of the cornea, causing the
cornea to flatten. Light rays can then be focused closer to the retina, resulting
in clearer vision.
PRK - Photo Refractive Keratectomy
The eye is numbed with very effective anesthetic drops, making
the procedure very comfortable. RK was fairly effective in
mild prescription treatments but Photo Refractive Keratectomy
(PRK) is a surgical procedure that reshapes or flattens
the cornea by using an excimer laser.
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An excimer laser emits a cool beam of light that gently breaks
the atomical bonds in the subsurface of the cornea, thus eliminating
microscopic amounts of tissue and giving the cornea a flatter
contour.
This process takes less than 1 minute and is painless. Because
the laser treats the inner layers of the cornea, the surface
cells are disrupted and can take a few days to heal. During
this period of time patients can experience mild discomfort
and blurred vision.
Most patients will require additional time to recuperate and
the eyes are generally not done on the same day. Also patients
that undergo PRK will need steroidal drops for several weeks.
PRK proved to be much more effective than RK but was not as
convenient or comfortable following surgery.
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LASIK - Laser Assisted In-Situ
Keratomileusis
The
increase in the popularity and patient satisfaction came in
the last few years with the advent of the LASIK technique.
LASIK proved to be more predictable, more comfortable and
offered minimal recovery.
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LASIK
is the preferred procedure by most experienced
refractive surgeons. |
Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) - is a
combination of two technological breakthroughs.
First, Automated Lamellar Keratomileusis - where a
microsurgical instrument creates a thin flap or cap in the
superficial or top layer of the cornea. Then the shape of the
cornea is altered using the precision of the excimer laser.
Unlike PRK, this allows the inner layer of the cornea to be
exposed for treatment, yet keeps the protective surface cells
intact.
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LASIK provides a much more comfortable post-operative period
and rapid visual recovery. LASIK has also expanded the range
of prescription that can successfully be treated.
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