Keratotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making incisions in the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. There are several types of keratotomy, including radial keratotomy, astigmatic keratotomy, and photorefractive keratotomy (PRK).
| TABLE OF CONTENTS |
| Types of Keratotomy |
| Radial Keratotomy |
| Astigmatic Keratotomy |
| Photoreactive Keratotomy |
| Conclusion |
Types of Keratotomy
Radial Keratotomy
Radial keratotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making a series of small, radiating incisions in the cornea in order to change its shape and improve vision. It is typically used to treat myopia (nearsightedness). The procedure involves making 8 to 16 small, equally spaced incisions around the circumference of the cornea. These incisions weaken the structural integrity of the cornea, allowing it to flatten out and better focus light onto the retina.
RK was developed in the 1970s and became popular in the 1980s as a way to correct myopia. It was initially seen as a less invasive alternative to traditional eye surgery procedures, as it did not involve removing any tissue from the eye. However, in the 1990s, the popularity of RK began to decline as newer, more effective procedures such as LASIK became available. Today, RK is not commonly used as a treatment for myopia, as it has been found to have a higher rate of complications and less predictable results compared to newer procedures.
Astigmatic Keratotomy
Astigmatic keratotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making incisions in the cornea in order to correct astigmatism, a condition in which the cornea is misshapen and causes distorted vision. Astigmatism is a common refractive error that affects the way light enters the eye, causing blurry vision at all distances. It is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens and can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
AK involves making a series of incisions at precise points on the cornea in order to reshape it and improve vision. The procedure is typically performed using a blade or laser and is usually done on an outpatient basis. AK is less common than other types of refractive surgery and is usually only recommended for patients with mild to moderate astigmatism.
Photoreactive Keratotomy
Photorefractive keratotomy (PRK) is a type of laser eye surgery that involves using a laser to reshape the cornea and improve vision. It is similar to LASIK, but instead of making a flap in the cornea, the outer layer of the cornea (called the epithelium) is removed and the laser is applied directly to the underlying tissue. PRK is typically used to treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
PRK was developed in the 1980s and was the first laser eye surgery procedure to be approved by the FDA. It is a less invasive procedure than LASIK, as it does not involve making a flap in the cornea. However, it does require a longer recovery time, as the epithelial cells on the surface of the cornea need to regenerate after the procedure.
All of these procedures are typically performed by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and conditions. They are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that the patient does not need to stay overnight in the hospital.
Conclusion
All of these procedures are typically performed by an experienced ophthalmologist. They are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that the patient does not need to stay overnight in the hospital. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
After the procedure, the patient will need to wear a protective shield over their eye for a few days to protect the incisions and allow them to heal properly. Most patients experience some degree of discomfort and light sensitivity after the procedure and will be prescribed eye drops to help with these symptoms. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days, although it may take several weeks for their vision to fully stabilize.
Keratotomy has been used as a treatment for vision problems for many years and has a high success rate in improving vision. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, and scarring of the cornea. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with an ophthalmologist before deciding whether to undergo keratotomy.
In conclusion, keratotomy is a surgical procedure that involves making incisions in the cornea in order to improve vision. There are several types of keratotomy, including radial keratotomy, astigmatic keratotomy, and photorefractive keratotomy (PRK). These procedures are typically performed by an ophthalmologist on an outpatient basis and have a high success rate in improving vision. However, like any surgical procedure, they carry some risks and it is important to discuss these with a healthcare provider before deciding whether to undergo the procedure.