Third, some patients experience a disabling starburst glare effect, especially when driving at night, due to the scarring. Because there are newer types of surgeries available, it is anticipated that RK will soon go the way of the dinosaur. This surgery involves the temporary removal of the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea. Next, an eximer laser, which uses ultraviolet radiation, flattens the cornea by removing successive layers of the cornea. The epithelium grows back over the cornea in 24 to 48 hours.
Patients experience some degree of pain and discomfort while the epithelium regenerates.
The underlying exposed cornea is subsequently flattened with the eximer laser. Then, the corneal flap is put back into place. Like PRK, there is some discomfort following the surgery. The reg does not allow someone who has had refractive surgery to come on active duty. If cadets get refractive surgery while at the Military Academy, they may not be commissioned at graduation.