How do “RK”, “PRK” and LASIK” surgical procedures differ?
RK (“Radial Keratectomy”) is a surgical operation that uses a fine diamond blade to make cuts around the hub of the cornea. This relieves pressure so that the center area of the cornea flattens slightly. The flatter cornea changes the angle and focal length of light entering the eye. RK was an early, less exact surgical procedure that has essentially been replaced by PRK and LASIK surgery. PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) refers to the first “Excimer laser” procedure that was approved for use in the United States. PRK makes no incisions and requires no sutures. PRK uses a “cool” beam of light to remove and reshape microscopic areas of both the inner and the outer corneal layers. LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most advanced procedure of laser eye surgery available today. LASIK does not reshape the outer protective surface of the cornea (epithelium). Instead, a “microkeratome” (a high precision surgical device used in LASIK procedures) lifts back a microthin flap of the to
