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Topic Overview

Most people who have radial keratotomy (RK) surgery
gradually become more farsighted for at least 8 to 10 years after surgery. This
is called the hyperopic shift. It is not clear what causes
the shift. It’s also not clear how long it may last or how bad it will get.

The effects depend on the person’s age and whether
the person is nearsighted or farsighted after the surgery.

  • People who are still slightly nearsighted after
    surgery (undercorrected) may find that their distance vision slowly improves as the hyperopic shift occurs.
  • People younger than
    40 may not notice the shift. That’s because their eyes
    can adjust to the change.
  • People around age 40 may get
    presbyopia sooner as a result of the hyperopic shift. They may need reading glasses.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC – Ophthalmology

Current as ofMarch 3, 2017

Current as of:
March 3, 2017

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine & Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC – Ophthalmology