Refractive Keratotomy (RK)

Refractive Keratotomy (RK), Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK), Limbal Relaxing Incision Astigmatic Keratotomy (LRI-AK) techniques are the correction of refractive errors by performing small incisions with a little depth on the cornea (the transparent layer in front of the pupil) with a diamond blade. Although the number of cases has decreased since the Excimer Laser was started to be used, it is still a practical and very effective treatment for some disorders and age groups. It is applied in few clinics as its applications require experience and skill.

It can be applied in combination with cataract operations, in high astigmats with poor results with Excimer Laser, more successful results can be obtained with Laser treatment after RK or AK performed before treatment, it is a practical and successful method for the treatment of astigmatism after cataract operation in the elderly people. It is possible to improve visual acuity and quality with astigmatic keratotomy in Kerataconus patients who undergo Cross Linking.