-
Surgical treatment:
It is recommended after the age of 18 years. The eye number
has to be stable for at least 6 months. The various surgeries
that can be performed are:
-
Radial keratotomy (RK): It
decreases myopia by flattening the cornea by making multiple
radial incisions of varying depth. The following complications
may occur:
- Accidental
corneal perforation
- Vision
threatening complications like infection
- Rupture
of eye globe by trauma due to weakened scar
- Overcorrection
- Undercorrection
- Unstable
vision.
-
Astigmatic keratotomy: It
is similar to RK and is used in treatment of cases of astigmatism.
Here only one meridian/axis is cut to make a more curved axis
flatter.
-
PRK:PRK with Excimer
laser involves the reshaping of the outer surface of the cornea.
The range of correction is from -1.0 to - 6.0 D and +1.0 to
+4.0 D.
The
disadvantage is that it has a longer visual recovery period.
-
LASIK:
This is the latest and the safest procedure.
Principle:
A thin layer of cornea is cut like a flap with a precise cutting
instrument. This clear flap is lifted up and folded upon to
the top eye. Excimer laser is applied over the internal part
of the cornea to reshape it and the flap is placed back in
its original position where it heals into place with no stitches.
Range
of correction :- -1.0 to -18.0 D and +1.0 to +8.0D. It corrects
astigmatism upto +/- 4.0 D. Its advantage is that visual recovery
is very rapid. Within one or two days most patients see clearly.
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Last updated on 12-07-2001
