Radial Keratotomy (RK)

Until excimer lasers became available, radial keratotomy (RK) was the most commonly performed refractive procedure for nearsighted people. With the aid of a high-powered microscope, the surgeon makes a series of radial microscopic incisions (usually between four and eight) on the surface of the cornea to reduce its curvature. This procedure was well suited for people with low myopia and has been used for over twenty-five years. One form of RK, mini-RK, is still used occasionally for minute degrees of nearsightedness, such as those resulting from slight undercorrections in LASIK or following cataract or clear lens extraction surgery.

Although outdated by excimer laser techniques, RK is still an effective procedure. It is used in those areas of the world who do not have access to the more modern and much more expensive laser technologies.