There are only a few surgical procedures currently used to correct MYOPIA or nearsightedness. To understand the nature of the eye surgery, you first need to understand the nature of the problem that needs to be corrected.

MYOPIA occurs when the curve of the cornea is too steep, or the length of the eye is too long. In both cases light passing through the cornea is in focus just short of the retina causing blurred vision. In some cases the cornea is also irregularly shaped causing images to be focused in more than one point. This condition is known as ASTIGMATISM.
Radial Keratotomy (RK) is the surgery used to reshape the cornea so that light is focused precisely on the retina, permanently correcting vision. This procedure derives its name from the radial pattern of incisions used to flatten the cornea. Similarly, Astigmatic Keratotomy corrects the mishaped cornea with opposing incisions.

Performed under local anesthetic, the entire procedure takes only a few minutes . Patients, may experience mild irritation and sensitivity to light in the following days, however, under careful administering of eye drops the healing process is accomplished with a minimum of discomfort. RK is time tested and holds the promise of good vision without the continued use of corrective lenses.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) are eye surgeries that involve the use of an Excimer laser to directly remove and flatten part of the central cornea. Though both procedures are no longer considered experimental, due to the relatively short time they have been in use, no long-term studies are available to determine lasting effects.

PRK has proven to have a higher level of discomfort and requires extended use of eye medications. Typically, vision returns more slowly than with RK and the risk of corneal hazing, hindering night vision, exists. To help correct some of the problems associated with PRK, LASIK was developed. Here, a flap of corneal tissue is elevated and the laser is used to modify the cornea under the flap, which is then replaced. Though the pain and slower recovery is lessened, the possibility of complications from the incision are present.