Benefits of RK surgery

In most cases, RK has proven to be safe and effective for mild degrees of myopia.
What is astigmatic keratotomy (AK) surgery?

Astigmatic keratotomy (AK) is a surgical procedure, similar to radial keratotomy (RK), which is used to correct astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea which causes blurring). Instead of using a radial pattern of incisions, the surgeon makes the incisions in a curved pattern when performing AK surgery.
What is automated lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) surgery?

Automated lamellar keratoplasty, or ALK, is a surgical procedure that is mainly used for hyperopia (farsightedness) and severe cases of myopia (nearsightedness). A person with hyperopia has shorter-than-normal eyes, causing objects up close to look blurry.
How is ALK surgery performed?

Although each procedure varies slightly, in general, ALK surgery for myopia involves the surgeon cutting a flap across the front of the cornea with a microkeratome (surgical instrument). The flap is folded to the side and a thin slice of tissue is removed from the surface of the cornea. The removal of tissue flattens the central cornea, or optical zone, reducing refraction. The flap is then put back in place, where it adheres without sutures.

During ALK surgery for hyperopia, the surgeon makes a deeper incision into the cornea with the microkeratome (a surgical instrument) to create a flap. The internal pressure in the eye causes the corneal surface to stretch and bulge. The bulging cornea improves the optical power, correcting the hyperopia. The flap is then put back in place, where it adheres without sutures.
Possible side effects of ALK surgery:

The following are the most common side effects and complications. Each individual may experience side effects differently. Side effects may include:

* astigmatism (blurring caused by an irregularly shaped cornea)
* overcorrection or undercorrection
* inability to wear contact lenses after the procedure
* loss of the corneal flap, requiring a corneal graft
* scarring
* infection
* vision loss
* glare

What is laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK)?

Laser thermal keratoplasty, or LTK, applies heat from a laser to the periphery of the cornea to shrink the collagen fibers, and reshapes the cornea. When the tissue is treated thermally, it contracts the tissue and causes the central cornea to steepen. You must be ages 40 or older to qualify for this procedure.
What is conductive keratoplasty (CK)?

Conductive keratoplasty, or CK, uses heat from low-level, radio frequency waves, rather than laser or scalpel, to shrink the collagen and change the shape of the cornea. A probe that is smaller than a strand of hair is used to apply the radio waves around the outer cornea. This creates a constrictive band that that increases the curve of the cornea and improves vision.
What is an intracorneal ring (Intacs)?

Intracorneal rings, or Intacs, is a micro-thin intracorneal ring that is implanted into the cornea. Intacs produces a reshaping of the curvature of the cornea, thus improving vision. Intacs are only available in the US for low degrees of myopia.
How to prepare for refractive eye surgery:

Most refractive eye surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, with most procedures lasting less than one hour in duration. In preparation for surgery, you may be asked to:

* arrange for someone to drop you off and pick you up again after surgery.
* not wear your contact lenses for a period of time before surgery, to prevent corneal warpage.
* not wear eye make-up for a couple of days before surgery.

What to expect during surgery:

Although each procedure varies slightly, in general, refractive eye surgery involves minimal discomfort. The eye is usually numbed with eye drops prior to surgery. While in surgery, you may also:

* stay awake during the procedure.
* your eye may be kept open with an eye speculum (a spring-like device between the eyelids).

Specific events that occur during surgery vary depending on the type of surgery performed.
Recovering from surgery:

Recovery times vary depending on the surgery, but can last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of months. The following are some common symptoms following surgery. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms following surgery may include:

* sensitivity to light
* blurry vision
* minor discomfort
* dry eyes