$Unique_ID{BRK02003}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Radial Keratotomy}
$Subject{vision eyesight sight radial keratotomy cornea eyes eye retina
cataracts cataract lens lenses glasses eyeglasses contact lens contact lenses
corrective lenses}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Normal vs. Cataracted Eyes*0003101.scf
Blurred Retinal Image*0003102.scf
Clear vs. Cloudy Vision*0003103.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Radial Keratotomy


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QUESTION:  There have been a whole bunch of TV and radio ads that tell of a
clinic where they can correct your poor vision with a new surgical procedure.
I have been wearing glasses for more than 50 years, and wonder if this clinic
can do anything for my failing vision.  Do you know anything about the
operation they perform, and could you please advise me?

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ANSWER:  I doubt that the new surgery is indicated for you if your vision has
begun to fail recently.  The type of operation being advertised these days by
independent clinics is called radial keratotomy, and it is designed to change
the curvature of the cornea of the eye, rather than to remedy any problems
that may be occurring elsewhere in the eye.  When light rays enter the eye,
they are focused on the back of the eye by two parts of the eye.  The first is
the cornea, the transparent structure that forms the front of the eye.  From
there the light passes into the eye, and through the lens of the eye, finally
focusing on the retina, which transforms the light into electrical impulses
that are carried to the brain.  If the lens becomes cloudy (cataract) or the
retina becomes damaged, vision may become weaker, a situation that often is
seen in older patients.  However when the problem is the curvature of the
cornea, light may not focus precisely on the retina, creating a blurred image.
This is the problem that is solved by corrective lenses, provided either as
glasses or contact lenses.
     In this operation, which has now been performed on between 500,000 to a
million Americans since it was first introduced in 1979, a series of very
superficial, microscopic incisions are made in a spoke like pattern on the
surface of the cornea, using a diamond tipped blade.  From 4 to 8 incisions
may be made, depending upon the severity of the problem.  This procedure
changes the curvature of the cornea, so that the light rays now focus directly
on the retina, providing a sharp picture.  Significant improvement is usual,
enough so that 60 percent of those having the procedure no longer require
corrective lenses of any type.  As with any operation there are risks,
including infection, that can mar the results.  And while it may provide good
distant vision, it doesn't replace the need for reading glasses for those who
have entered their late forties.  However, your problem of failing vision
requires an examination now to determine the nature of your condition, whether
or not this operation is suitable for you.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.