Histologic examination of a corneal button received from penetrating keratoplasty is seen. What is the most likely surgery to cause the finding shown?
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
- Radial keratotomy (RK)
- Anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK)
- Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
View Explanation
RK is of historical significance as a refractive surgery, as generally the procedure is no longer performed. There remain special considerations in performing cataract and other types of ocular surgery in these patients when they present to the ophthalmology clinic. The RK technique involved making radial incision into the corneal stroma to produce central corneal flattening. A cross-sectional view of the radial corneal incisions is shown in Figure. The ALK and LASIK procedures both include a lamellar dissection plane. PRK surgery involves surface ablation.
