Keratotomy

Keratotomy is a type of eye surgery that involves making incisions in the cornea to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. The procedure is typically performed using a microkeratome or a laser.

History

The first keratotomy procedures were performed in the late 19th century by Allvar Gullstrand, a Swedish ophthalmologist. These early procedures were rudimentary and often resulted in complications. However, they laid the groundwork for the development of modern keratotomy techniques.

Types of Keratotomy

There are several types of keratotomy procedures, including:

• Radial keratotomy (RK): This procedure involves making several spoke-like incisions in the cornea to flatten it and correct myopia. RK was popular in the 1980s and 1990s but has largely been replaced by LASIK and PRK.

• Astigmatic keratotomy (AK): This procedure is used to correct astigmatism. It involves making one or two incisions at the steepest part of the cornea.

• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK): This is a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors. PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery to be approved by the FDA.

• Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK): This is currently the most popular type of laser eye surgery. It involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and then repositioning the flap.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgical procedures, keratotomy carries some risks. These can include infection, corneal haze, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. In some cases, the procedure may not fully correct the refractive error, and additional surgery may be needed.

See Also

• Eye surgery
• Refractive surgery
• LASIK
• PRK

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