Radial Keratotomy

Radial Keratotomy (RK) is performed on the top of the cornea, or the epithelium, by creating very fine incisions in a spoke-like pattern.

By doing this, the incisions are performed on the epithelium (outermost layer of the cornea,) which when healing, can cause some discomfort such as grittiness or scratchiness, or the sensation that something is in your eye.

Also, incisions made by a diamond blade can penetrate up to 90% of the cornea, which may compromise the strength of the eye during recovery. Visual stability usually occurs anywhere from two to six weeks after the procedure, although vision is usually improved immediately after the procedure.

RK is able to correct low to moderate amounts of nearsightedness only.