Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK) is a non-laser refractive surgical procedure designed to change the shape of the cornea. ALK is a two step process using a mechanical surgical instrument known as a microkeratome. First, the microkeratome is used to create a hinged flap from the outermost layer of corneal tissue. This flap will be repositioned after the second step of the process is complete. The second step again uses the microkeratome to remove a thin wedge of corneal tissue in the case of myopia (nearsightedness) thereby reshaping the cornea.

Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty. A refractive eye surgery procedure that uses an instrument named a microkeratome to lift a flap of corneal material and to sculpt the underlying corneal tissue. Has been used successfully in correcting relatively high degrees of nearsightedness and some cases of farsightedness, but has been largely replaced by LASIK and other laser procedures that offer greater accuracy. See Refractive Surgery in Eye Care Encyclopedia.

Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty. (index to Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty) Refractive eye surgery procedure that uses an instrument known as a microkeratome to lift a flap of corneal material and to sculpt the underlying corneal tissue. Has been used successfully in correcting relatively high degrees of nearsightedness and some cases of farsightedness, but has been largely replaced by LASIK and other laser procedures that offer greater accuracy.

Common abbreviation for alkalinity.