Question:
I Had bilateral RKs done in 1985. Deterioration of vision continues after successful surgery (5-7 years) Currently using hard contacts to shape cornea. Feel I am approaching the limits of this option. Are there any other alternative options available to post RK patients?
Answer:
I don't think I have enough information to answer your specific situation. There are two types of RK that were performed in the 1980s and 90s. Mini RK incisions stopped prior to the limbus (where the white meets the colored part of your eye) and normal RK where the incisions were carried out into the limbus. This would impact the stability of your RK result. Additionally, you mention that you had another surgery 5-7 years ago, but don't advise what the nature of that surgery was. In either case, rigid contact lenses can be wonderful in helping with the clarity of vision in patients who have previously undergone RK. I don’t think it is likely that you will reach a point where rigid contact lenses will be of no help. There is a new procedure being evaluated by the FDA and being performed in several foreign countries that MIGHT provide additional stability to your cornea. It is called Riboflavin cross linking. I suggest you ask your ophthalmologist (Eye-MD) about this procedure and consider waiting for this procedure to be approved by the FDA or you might attempt to enroll in one of the US clinical trials where this procedure is being performed and studied for the FDA.
Answered by: Wayne Bizer, MD
Categories: Eye Conditions,
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