Question 1

tell me the difference between photorefractive keratectomy vs radial keratotomy?

Accepted Answer

Laser vs scalpel: Prk uses a laser to resurface and reshape the front of the eye to improve vision.  Rk involves creating multiple radial incisions on the cornea in a symmetrical pattern to flatten the cornea.  Prk is much newer and more reliable technology.  Rk has many side effects such as regression, irregular astigmatism, and scarring.

Question 2

please advise what is the difference between photorefractive keratectomy vs radial keratotomy?

Accepted Answer

Cutting v sculpting: Radial keratotomy (rk) is an older and rarely performed  procedure that has side effects.   The eye surgeon makes a series of radial cuts about 90% deep in the cornea to flatten it and reduce or eliminate myopia.  Photorefractive keratectomy (prk) uses an excimer  laser to reshape the cornea.  It is done on the surface of the cornea as opposed lasik which  is performed under a flap of cornea.

Question 3

can i perform my own radial keratotomy?

Accepted Answer

Yikes: You could numb your eye with medication so you could do this painlessly.  But you have no ability to control the cutting instrument on yourself.  The likelihood is that you would slice open your eye and need emergency surgery.  Do not do this at home.  Anyway, lasik has totally replaced radial keratotomy as a more predictable and safer therapy.

Question 4

how long does the radial keratotomy take?

Accepted Answer

Quick: The actual surgery is very fast, often taking less than 5 minutes.  However the measurements of the cornea to accurately perform radial keratotomy (rk) should take some time, up to 20-30 minutes to check corneal shape and thickness at various points on the eye surface.  Rk has fallen out of favor and has been replaced in most cases with prk using the laser, or lasik.

Question 5

does radial keratotomy vision deteriorate?

Accepted Answer

Possible yes: Rk is almost never performed now because of the side effects which included regression, scarring, and irregular astigmatism.  This was due to the fact that the human hand cannot make 8 or 16 perfectly symmetrical and identical incisions in the eye and that each incision would not heal exactly the same.  Many patients with rk now have worse vision and many use contact lenses to treat  astigmatism.

Question 6

is radial keratotomy a very common procedure?

Accepted Answer

Not any more: Rk or radial keratotomy was once very popular as a refractive surgery about 25-30 years ago, but there have been safety concerns due to the very deep incisions needed in the cornea.  Laser procedures such as lasik, lasek and prk or photorefractive keratectomy have mainly replaced rk.

Question 7

is there any pain involved in a radial keratotomy?

Accepted Answer

Mild discomfort: Radial keratotomy is an older form of vision correction surgery that is rarely performed today. It involves making tiny incisions into the cornea in order to change its shape. While the procedure itself is painless, it is not uncommon for people to feel a "scratchy" sensation for a day or so after the procedure. Artificial tears can decrease the discomfort. Speak to a doctor about lasik/prk.

Question 8

can overcorrection by radial keratotomy be treated?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The common way is to use glasses or contact lenses.  Laser vision correction can also work.  See your ophthalmologist to discuss the various options with you.

Question 9

can radial keratotomy vision deteriorate throughout life?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: One of the long term problems with rk surgery is the lack of long term stability in some patients. Sometimes, their prescription keeps changing over time, usually making them become more far-sighted. There are some therapies available that may help. Consult a corneal specialist.

Question 10

did anything bad happen to the people who got radial keratotomy over the years, since it was long ago?

Accepted Answer

Possible yes: Rk is almost never performed now because of the side effects which included regression, scarring, and irregular astigmatism.  This was due to the fact that the human hand cannot make 8 or 16 perfectly symmetrical and identical incisions in the eye and that each incision would not heal exactly the same.  Many patients with rk now have worse vision and many use contact lenses to treat  astigmatism.

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Doctor answers about:

Photorefractive keratotomy

A member asked:

Tell me the difference between photorefractive keratectomy vs radial keratotomy?

A member asked:

Please advise what is the difference between photorefractive keratectomy vs radial keratotomy?

A member asked:

Can i perform my own radial keratotomy?

A member asked:

How long does the radial keratotomy take?

A member asked:

Does radial keratotomy vision deteriorate?

A member asked:

Is radial keratotomy a very common procedure?

A member asked:

Is there any pain involved in a radial keratotomy?

A member asked:

Can overcorrection by radial keratotomy be treated?

A member asked:

Can radial keratotomy vision deteriorate throughout life?

A member asked:

Did anything bad happen to the people who got radial keratotomy over the years, since it was long ago?

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