Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK)

Astigmatic keratotomy is a surgical procedure used in correcting astigmatism. In a normal eye light reflects off of the back of the retina. In an eye that has astigmatism, light entering the cornea is reflected in several different directions. This reflection can cause serious vision related problems such as blurred or distorted eyesight. Astigmatic keratotomy is not often used by itself anymore. Instead AK is often used as part of a laser related surgery or even not used in correcting astigmatism at all.

Astigmatic keratotomy is a very simple procedure and can be used for a variety of different visual astigmatic ailments. Various types of astigmatism that can be treated with AK include cataracts and astigmatism, congenital astigmatism, or astigmatism related to a surgical procedure.

Astigmatic keratotomy is especially effective in patients with astigmatism due to corneal transplants. The transplant recipient receives incisions which mimic the other eye and corneal muscle and tissue. AK is often used in transplant related astigmatism when the cornea is more of a flat shape.

There are several different techniques related to AK that exist. The word keratotomy refers simply to a cut made in the cornea. Astigmatic keratotomy is the specific use of these cuts in order to correct astigmatism. The variations include types of knives used, as well as thickness, depth, placement or length of the cut.

Your doctor should go over any AK related procedures with you thoroughly. The thickness of your specific corneal surface, as well as your specific astigmatic issues, will be covered completely. Your doctor should have a plan written out before surgery will take place. Anesthesia is applied topically in the form of simple eye drops. Your surgeon will look through your eye with a microscopic tool used for cutting and surgery.

The surgery itself takes a very short amount of time with no pain. The only discomfort may come from being in a surgical setting and having your eyelids opened with a speculum. In most cases a relaxant such as Valium is given before the procedure.

Most astigmatism will be completely cured in one year's time, though often it tends to disappear completely in a couple of months. Astigmatic keratotomy is often used in conjunction with other corneal surgeries. LASIK is commonly used because lasers are often even more accurate and painless than the already accurate and painless blades. Only contact a licensed and experienced astigmatic keratotomy surgeon for your particular case.

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