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Wyoming Optometric Association  

Types of corneal modifications
Radial keratotomy (or "RK") surgically flattens the cornea by creating small, radial incisions (like the spokes of a wheel) in the periphery of the cornea. RK is used to treat nearsightedness and some forms of astigmatism.

Photorefractive keratectomy (or "PRK") uses an excimer laser to remove a thin layer of tissue from the center of the cornea. By altering the curvature of the cornea, PRK helps reduce or eliminate moderate nearsightedness and astigmatism.

In laser in situ keratomileusis (or "LASIK"), a flap of tissue is created on the front surface of the cornea. The flap is folded back, a laser is used to reshape the middle layer of the cornea, and the flap is repositioned. LASIK is used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

Laser thermokeratoplasty (or "LTK") is the use of a laser to heat small dot-shaped areas in the cornea. As a result of this procedure, corneal tissue expands and the cornea's curvature steepens. LTK is used to treat farsightedness.

In automated lamellar keratoplasty (or "ALK") , a thin layer of tissue is removed from the front surface of the cornea and replaced after tissue from the middle of the cornea is surgically removed. ALK is usually reserved for patients with severe nearsightedness or farsightedness and/or for those who cannot be helped by other treatments.

Orthokeratology (or "ortho-K") is a non-surgical procedure that involves the wearing of a series of specially-designed rigid contact lenses to progressively reshape the curvature of the cornea over time. The results of this painless procedure are not permanent; thus, retainer contact lenses must be worn periodically to maintain improvements made in vision. Ortho-K is used to treat low to moderate nearsightedness and low degrees of astigmatism.