Abstract
Astigmatic keratotomy (AK) is performed for correction of corneal astigmatism and may be performed during cataract surgery, post-cataract extraction, or post-PKP. AK corneal incisions are performed more centrally in the cornea as opposed to limbal relaxing incisions (LRI). In this technique, a coupling phenomenon is seen in which there is a flattening of the incised steep meridian, accompanied by steepening of the unincised meridian 90° away. Prior to AK, confirmation of corneal astigmatism with manual keratometry, evaluation of corneal topography to identify irregular astigmatism, and pachymetry at sites of planned incision(s) to avoid corneal perforation should be performed. AK has been proven to be a convenient, practical, and cost-effective way of managing astigmatism.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
McDonald, M. (2017). Astigmatic Keratotomy. In: Rosenberg, E., Nattis, A., Nattis, R. (eds) Operative Dictations in Ophthalmology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45495-5_34
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45495-5_34
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-45494-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-45495-5
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)