Radial Keratotomy
Radial Keratotomy is an innovative surgical procedure used to decrease near-sightedness. First discovered by accident by physician Svyatoslav Fyodorov who was removing glass fragments from a patient’s eye, the RK treatment involves a series of radial incisions made in the cornea of the eye, creating a pattern similar to the spokes of a wheel which helps to increase vision in patients who suffer from near-sightedness.
The procedure starts with radial incisions being made in the cornea of the eye with a highly precise diamond blade set to a particular depth. The number of incisions made as well as their location will be determined by the degree of near-sightedness in the patient. The incisions made allow the sides of the cornea to bugle outward; this flattens the central portion of the cornea and brings the focal point of the eye closer to the retina in order to improve one's distance vision.
The first radial keratotomy surgeries were performed in the United States in 1978 and since its introduction, RK has continued to be refined. The major goal of improving this treatment has been to progress the predictability of the procedure and limit complications. Significant improvements have made due to the development of extremely sharp and precise diamond blades which make the incisions, as well as highly accurate instruments to measure the depth of the blade and the thickness of the cornea.
Many scientific studies have been performed over the years to assess the safety, stability and predictability of Radial Keratotomy and results have shown that this procedure is very successful in restoring proper vision to those who suffer from near-sightedness. For those who want the opportunity to correct their vision, consider the RK treatment. |
