ALK - Keratoplasty Eye Surgery

ALK is short for automated lamellar keratoplasty and is a form of eye surgery that is used to correct vision for those with either severe nearsightedness or mild farsightedness.

The surgery is performed under a local anaesthetic and takes less than an hour. It creates a flap over the cornea where another cut is then made underneath based on the patient’s vision prescription. The flap is replaced and then reattaches.

This surgery heals extremely quickly compared to other vision repair surgery and provides a more comfortable recovery period. However, the surgery does increase the chance that a person may develop an irregular astigmatism.

Preparing for ALK Surgery

Before having the surgery you should have met with the coordinator who would have told you what to expect and how to prepare. Your eyes will be tested very thoroughly, as well as measured for accuracy during the surgery. You should then be able to ask any questions you may have to the surgeon before undergoing the procedure.

Before the surgery you should eat a light meal before arriving as well as taking any prescribed medication.

After the Surgery

After the surgery is complete you will have follow up appointments to monitor your healing. You should be aware that there are some rare side effects including:

• Glare
• Infection
• Corneal Scarring
• Or the inability to wear contacts in the future.

To improve your recovery you should use the eye drops given to you by your doctor and remember that it may take a few weeks for vision to return to normal. However, recovery usually only takes about 24 hours.