Radial keratotomy

RK enables mild and moderate myopia (up to -6 dioptres) to be corrected. The surgeon makes deep radial incisions (usually four to eight incisions) in the periphery of the cornea. Eye pressure will cause the incised areas to bulge out, while the central area (optical zone) is flattened. This reduces the refractive power of the cornea, the light rays are focused on the retina and images become clearer.

Results

Since its development in 1976 by Dr. Svyatoslav Fyodorov in Russia, RK has spread throughout the world and has proved to be an effective, safe technique for correcting mild and moderate myopias. Between -1 and -4 dioptres, 60% of the patients have 10/10 vision or better without glasses or contact lenses, 90% have 5/10 vision or better. Between -4 and -7 dioptres, 40% of patients have 5/10 or better. In the United States a study has shown that 40% of patients - especially when young and severely myopic - tend to develop overcorrection (hyperopization) after 10 years.

More about Radial keratotomy

The operation
Possible risks