Limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) are truly a modification of
astigmatic keratotomy (AK), which is a procedure to treat astigmatism.
Astigmatism is present when the cornea is not spherical, i.e.,
it is steeper in one meridian than the opposite meridian 180 degrees
away. The cornea with astigmatism may be thought of as being more
football shaped rather than basketball shaped. LRI's are incisions
that are placed on the far peripheral aspect of the cornea (the
limbus) resulting in a cornea that is more round. The astigmatism
is thus reduced and uncorrected vision is improved.
The procedure can be completed in a few seconds
after numbing the eye with anesthetic drops. There is usually
little if any post-operative discomfort. The procedure is extraordinarily
safe and is not associated with glare or starburst, as often occurs
with true corneal incisions (RK and AK). Furthermore, the cornea
is usually stable within a week, indicating that visual fluctuations
have typically resolved by that time interval.
Limbal relaxing incisions have gained widespread
acceptance amongst cataract surgeons where it is often combined with the cataract
operation to reduce pre-existing astigmatism. This results in better post-operative
vision without glasses. The procedure can also be used in individuals whose primary
refractive error is astigmatism.
Type
of the Refractive Surgery
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