COVID-19 Message for all Patients

AK (Astigmatic Keratotomy)

Astigmatism is a vision abnormality that occurs due to an irregularly shaped cornea (the transparent outer layer in front of the eye) that results in blurred vision. Astigmatic keratotomy is a surgical procedure to correct astigmatism by making incisions in the cornea, allowing it to relax and assume a more rounded shape.

Before the procedure, you are advised to stop wearing contact lenses for a period of time. The procedure is performed after instilling anaesthetic eye drops. Two or more incisions are made at the steepest regions of the cornea. The procedure takes about 10 minutes.

Following the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and sensitivity to light, which is normal. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops for inflammation, irritation and infection. Improved vision may be observed as early as the following day, but may take a few weeks to stabilise.

Astigmatic keratotomy, like any surgical procedure may be associated with certain complications such as a weakened cornea, fluctuating vision, glare and difficulty in fitting contact lens.

Astigmatic keratotomy can completely correct mild cases of astigmatism without the need for glasses or contact lens. In severe cases, however new glasses or contact lenses with a much lower refractive power are prescribed following the procedure. The procedure may be combined with surgery to correct other vision abnormalities.

Other Refractive & Laser Eye Surgery List