Can Radial Keratotomy Patients Wear Contact Lenses?

If you had radial keratotomy (RK) surgery years ago and are now struggling with fluctuating or deteriorating vision, you are not alone. Many Las Vegas patients who underwent RK in the 1980s and 1990s are finding that their vision has become unpredictable over time. The good news is that specialty contact lenses, particularly scleral lenses, can often restore clear and comfortable vision for post-RK patients.

What Is Radial Keratotomy and Why Does Vision Change After Surgery?

Radial keratotomy was a popular form of refractive surgery performed primarily in the 1980s and 1990s. The procedure involved making spoke-like incisions in the cornea to flatten its curvature and reduce nearsightedness. It has since been replaced by safer and more predictable techniques such as LASIK and PRK.

For many RK patients, the surgery provided good vision for 10 to 20 years. However, over time, the corneal incisions can cause the cornea to gradually change shape and become irregular. This leads to symptoms such as:

• Fluctuating vision throughout the day
• Increasing farsightedness over time
• Ghost images, glare, or starbursts around lights
• Difficulty achieving clear vision with standard glasses or soft contact lenses

Some post-RK patients find themselves switching between multiple pairs of glasses throughout the day because their vision shifts as the cornea changes shape in response to temperature, hydration, and other factors.

Why Are Scleral Lenses Effective for Post-RK Vision Problems?

Because the corneal surface after RK is often uneven and irregular, standard soft contact lenses typically cannot provide stable or sharp vision. Scleral lenses are designed specifically for situations like this.

A scleral lens is a large-diameter, rigid gas-permeable lens that vaults over the entire cornea and rests on the sclera, the white part of the eye. The space between the lens and the cornea is filled with preservative-free saline, which creates a smooth optical surface over the irregular cornea. This design provides several key benefits for post-RK patients:

• Stable, clear vision that does not fluctuate throughout the day
• Comfort, because the lens does not rest on the sensitive corneal incisions
• Continuous hydration of the corneal surface
• Protection from environmental irritants

What Are Custom Scleral Lens Options?

At Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas, our specialty contact lens team has extensive experience fitting post-RK patients with advanced scleral lens designs. For patients with highly irregular corneas, custom scleral lenses such as EyePrintPro can be particularly effective. The EyePrintPro system creates a detailed impression of the eye’s surface, and the lens is manufactured to match the exact contours of each individual eye. This level of customization can be especially valuable for post-RK patients whose corneas are too irregular for standard scleral designs.

Dr. Stephanie Woo, OD, FAAO, FSLS, is the only practitioner in Nevada certified to fit EyePrintPro lenses. Along with Dr. Nathan Schramm, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA, and Dr. Thanh Mai, OD, FSLS, our team brings deep expertise in fitting complex post-surgical corneas with scleral and specialty contact lenses.

What to Expect During a Scleral Lens Fitting

A scleral lens fitting for a post-RK patient typically involves multiple visits. During the initial consultation, your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation of your corneal shape and overall eye health using advanced imaging technology, including corneal topography and anterior segment OCT.

A diagnostic scleral lens is then placed on the eye to evaluate fit and vision. Based on these findings, your lens may be ordered as a custom design. When the final lens arrives, you will return for a dispensing appointment where the fit and vision are confirmed, and you will receive hands-on training for insertion, removal, and daily care.

Corneal topography of his left eye showing irregularities.

Photo of patient’s left eye showing RK cuts and scars

Photo of the EyePrint Prosthetic on patient’s eye

The mold of his left eye, which we sent to the laboratory

When Should You Seek Help for Post-RK Vision Changes?

If you are a former RK patient experiencing worsening or fluctuating vision, it is worth scheduling a specialty contact lens consultation. You should seek prompt evaluation if you notice sudden vision changes, significant eye pain, or new symptoms like persistent glare or halos, as these may indicate corneal changes that need attention.

Book a Post-RK Contact Lens Consultation in the area

If radial keratotomy gave you good vision for years but your sight has become unreliable, scleral lenses may be the solution. Contact Insight Vision Optometry at 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com to schedule your specialty contact lens evaluation.