An Introduction

Traditionally, myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism have not been treated but merely compensated for with glasses or contact lenses. Radial Keratotomy (RK) is a microsurgical procedure which can, in many cases, eliminate nearsightedness and astigmatism, and restore perfect or near perfect vision without corrective lenses. RK has helped millions of nearsighted people see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. The amount of improvement experienced by RK patients depends on several things: the extent of nearsightedness, age, overall health and physical condition. However, it has been reported that over 90% of all patients achieve excellent vision after radial keratatomy. Radial Keratotomy was developed in the early 1970's by noted Russian surgeon, Professor S.N. Fyodorov. In the years since, advances in microsurgical instruments and techniques have made RK a good alternative to glasses or contact lenses for literally millions of nearsighted people.

What is RK for? Myopia.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition in which light rays focus in front of rather than precisely on the retina. The result is blurry vision, especially when looking at objects in the distance. Myopia occurs because the cornea is too curved or the eyeball itself is too long. The amount of nearsightedness varies from person to person.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is caused by an irregular curvature in the cornea. Rather than being shaped symmetrically, like a basketball, it is curved lake a football. This curvature bends light rays entering the eye unevenly, producing a blurred image. Both near and distance vision can be affected by astigmatism.

The Procedure

Before surgery is scheduled you will receive a thorough eye examination to determine precisely the degree of your myopia. The doctor will graph the shape of your eye, measure the curvature of your cornea and assure that no other medical problem exists which would interfere with RK surgery. The procedure itself is performed using a topical anesthetic (eye drops) in the Florida Eye Clinic Ambulatory Surgical Center in Altamonte Springs. On the day of surgery, your eye is carefully cleansed, a sterile drape is placed around it and anesthetic drops are introduced to numb the eye. Looking through a powerful microscope, the doctor will mark a clear optical zone of 3 to 4 millimeters in the center of your eye.

This area will remain completely untouched during surgery. The doctor will then make microscopic incisions (slits) in the cornea, radiating outward from the clear zone. For the correction of astigmatism, these slits are made perpendicular to the radial incisions and in the case of myopia and astigmatism maybe combined in the same procedure. The number of slits required depends upon the amount of correction needed by your eye. (these slits do not extend into the inner eye and there is normally no bleeding.) The actual surgery takes approximately 10 minutes.

Following Surgery

Be sure to have someone with you to drive home - you'll be ready to leave Florida Eye Clinic shortly after surgery is completed. You may feel sleepy for the rest of the day, but generally, there is very little discomfort. Most patients do experience some redness and a scratchy sensation during the first 24 hours following surgery. A degree of sensitivity to bright light may continue for a month or more. There are limited restrictions on activities, so you can basically resume your normal routine the next day. Your vision will be improved-possibly even near normal the day after surgery. However, vision is often somewhat over-corrected at first but will gradually move toward normal over a period of time. It may take a month or more for your vision to stabilize variations may occur from day to day or from morning to night. Some people, especially those who were very nearsighted prior to surgery, may experience a slight blurriness for a day or two. A few simple guidelines following surgery can help assure a complete and rapid recovery:

• No swimming for two weeks.
• No eye make-up for two weeks.
• Avoid getting soap and water in your eye.
• Do not use eye drops except as directed by your doctor.

Is RK For You?

Not all myopia can be fully corrected with Radial Keratotomy, but if you're moderately nearsighted RK could mean good vision without glasses or contact lenses. You are a candidate for RK surgery if...

• You are over 18 years of age.
• Have myopia or astigmatism that is stable and non-progressive (this is, your vision is not worsening significantly as time passes).
• Have no history of eye disorders or corneal disease.

If this sounds like you, the next step is to learn the facts about RK from Florida Eye Clinic, the eye care experts Central Florida has trusted since 1971. Free RK Information & Screening. As one of Florida's leading centers for RK surgery, Florida Eye Clinic offers a variety of ways for you to learn more about the procedure and to determine if it is appropriate for you. If you'd like to schedule a free screening exam, call Florida Eye Clinic at (407) 834-7776 extension 104 to speak with the RK coordinator, or schedule an appointment online. There is no cost or obligation for the private screening appointment.

A Final Note

This information is intended only as an introduction to Radial Keratotomy and not as the basis for any commitment on your part. As with any medical procedure, especially a surgical procedure, you should discuss the details thoroughly with your physician and carefully weigh the benefits and possible risks. The doctors and staff at Florida eye clinic will be glad to take the time to help you fully understand RK, including performing an in-depth examination to assess the benefits you could expect.