Astigmatic Keratotomy
Astigmatic Keratotomy, or AK, is a procedure for reducing the degree of astigmatism by reshaping the cornea from an oval shape into a more spherical shape.
Astigmatic Keratotomy Process
Astigmatic Keratotomy allows people with astigmatism to see better. It is sometimes performed after LASIK or Photorefractive Keratectomy to improve vision for people with astigmatism. Your eyes are first measured in the pre-operative preparations to measure where incisions should be placed according to factors for amount of correction and amount of astigmatism. After your eyes are numbed with anesthetic drops, markers are placed in the cornea where the incisions should be made. The specific incisions are then made to change the curvature of the cornea, causing it to be more spherical in shape. Antibiotic drops are applied to keep away infection and sometime medicine is given for side effects. Normal activities can usually be resumed in two days and vision improvement varies with different people but usually range between a day to 2 weeks times. If vision improvement is not noticeable, it is not a sign that surgery has not worked but may take longer for specific cases and its best to ask your eye doctor on results.
Astigmatic Keratotomy Candidates
People are best suited for Astigmatic Keratotomy who have minimal or moderate degrees of astigmatism, who have not have prior major eye problems, have had stable eye prescription for at least a year, and who want better vision from astigmatism without the need for contacts or eyeglasses. With the high levels of success in correcting astigmatism with LASIK Eye Surgery, Astigmatic Keratotomy has declined significantly in use among Refractive Surgeons.
[Page updated 12/2010]
