Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK)

What is Astigmatic Keratotomy?

Astigmatic Keratotomy (AK) is a surgical procedure for correcting the shape of the cornea. Astigmatism is caused by a cornea that is more curved (steeper) in one axis than the other, much like a football. Astigmatism is a visual condition in which the cornea is football-shaped instead of spherical, causing the image to be blurred.

It is sometimes performed after LASIK or Photorefractive Keratectomy to improve vision for people with astigmatism.

Astigmatism can be found with nearsightedness or farsightedness. AK can be combined with LASIK, to improve clarity of vision.

Astigmatic Keratotomy Procedure

Your eyes are first measured in the pre-operative preparations to measure where incisions should be placed according to factors for amount of correction and amount of astigmatism.

After your eyes are numbed with anesthetic drops, markers are placed in the cornea where the incisions should be made. The specific incisions are then made to change the curvature of the cornea, causing it to be more spherical in shape.

Antibiotic drops are applied to keep away infection and sometime medicine is given for side effects.

Normal activities can usually be resumed in two days and vision improvement varies with different people but usually range between a day to 2 weeks.

To schedule an appointment, please call 310.275.5533 and we would be happy to help you or click here.