Corneal astigmatism is an eye condition that occurs when the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye, has an irregular shape. This can cause blurred, distorted vision and even difficulty seeing at night. In some cases, astigmatism can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities.
Arcuate keratotomy is a surgical procedure that can help correct corneal astigmatism and improve vision. In this procedure, an ophthalmologist makes precise incisions in the cornea to modify its shape and reduce the distortion caused by astigmatism.
How does arcuate keratotomy work?
During arcuate keratotomy, specialized instruments are used to make arc-shaped incisions along the most curved axis of the cornea. These incisions aim to relieve tension in the cornea and alter its shape, achieving greater curvature in the longer axis and a more even surface. As a result, light entering the eye is refracted more accurately, improving the sharpness and clarity of vision.
Who can benefit from arcuate keratotomy?
Arcuate keratotomy may be an effective treatment option for patients with moderate to severe corneal astigmatism. However, it is not suitable for all cases. The ideal candidate for this surgery should meet certain criteria, such as:
- Having stable corneal astigmatism that has not worsened in recent months.
- Having a healthy and sufficiently thick cornea to withstand the incisions.
- Not having other eye conditions that could interfere with the surgery or its outcome.
Arcuate keratotomy is usually performed in a surgical room under local or topical anesthesia. The procedure typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes for each eye. After the surgery, the patient may experience a sensation of itching, discomfort, or temporary blurred vision. However, most patients begin to notice an improvement in their vision in the days following the surgery.
