I had RK about two years ago. My vision uncorrected was -5.50 in the left eye and -3.50 in the right. I had to have 2 "enhancements" on the left before I had satisfactory unaided vision.
I am still (after 2 years) experiencing fluctuation in my vision. The periods of fluctuation have gone from day to night to days to weeks. I have read much on the subject, but am wondering if my eyes will ever stabilize. Also, can I expect to lose much acuity at this point? It seems as if I've lost some acuity in the past month.
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Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D. (xx102@ofcn.org)
Unfortunately, I cannot give you specific answers to your questions.
Radial keratotomy is a controversial procedure. It is a very simple operation to perform, and yet, a large percentage of ophthalmologists choose not to do it. I am one who chooses not to do RK, because I believe it is an operation that is not in my patients' best interests. The issues you raise support my concerns.
Radial keratotomy does correct nearsightedness. There is no controversy as to whether or not it is effective. The controversy is over its safety.
Fluctuations in vision are not uncommon after RK. Problems with glare are frequently noted. Overcorrections, with resulting farsightedness are particularly distressing to patients over 40 years old. Inability to obtain a stable prescription and quality vision is often a problem.
There is marked concern as to the resultant structural integrity of the cornea after RK. If one has four cuts (or more), 90% through the thickness of the cornea, what happens to the eye with trauma? One cannot help but think that the eye will be much more vulnerable to injury, and perhaps, rupture.
I am certain that if your questions were posed to an experienced RK surgeon, the response would be completely different. You might be able to get more specific answers to your concerns. To balance my biased opinion, I will try to get an RK surgeon to respond to your questions and I will post his/her response.
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Copyright, 1995. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
A RICHARD E. GANS, M.D. 11
A A OFCN Primary Sysop, The Eye Clinic 111
AAAAA xx102@ofcn.org 11
A A A C A D E M Y O N E 1111
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