Definitions for "Astigmatic Keratotomy"
Surgical procedure used to correct moderate cases of astigmatism. Often performed at the same time as the Radial Keratotomy (RK) procedure for correcting nearsightedness. The procedures are somewhat similar, differing primarily in the pattern of incisions made in the outer periphery of the cornea in order to change its shape to the curvature needed to correct the refractive problem. Both AK and RK have been largely replaced by newer refractive surgery procedures. See Refractive Surgery in Eye Care Encyclopedia.
Procedure in which a surgeon cuts the cornea so that is more spherical when it heals, thus reducing astigmatism.
An incisional refractive surgical technique in which transverse incisions are made in the cornea to reduce or eliminate astigmatism.