RK - RADIAL KERATOTOMY

What is RK? RK (radial keratotomy) is a refractive eye surgery procedure in which cuts are made into the cornea forming a pattern around the pupil. The cuts are made with a diamond-tipped blade. The procedure is only recommended for people that have a mild case of nearsightedness. RK has mainly been replaced by laser surgery, and it does not treat farsightedness.

How is the RK Procedure Performed?

Anesthetic eye drops are instilled to numb the eye. After the eyelids are retracted using titanium eyelid retractors, the surgeon begins making incisions in the cornea that extend from the pupil to edge of the cornea. This procedure causes the cornea to weaken and flatten. This flattening of the cornea corrects mild nearsightedness.

What are Some of the Benefits of RK?

  • Recovery is fast, and patients usually see clearly the next day.
  • Patients usually only complain of an itchy or scratchy feeling post-operatively.
  • Steroids are not usually needed.

What are Some Special Considerations Involving the RK Procedure?

  • RK is not recommended for anyone that is in a profession that has a high risk of eye trauma. It is also not recommended for people that have diabetes, irregular astigmatism, an active infection, or are pregnant.
  • Age and sex of the patient do influence the outcome- patients that are younger and female usually do not get the best results.

What Risks are Involved With the RK Procedure?

Finding a skilled surgeon is very important. RK does have more complications associated with the procedure than PRK. Complications can include the following:

  • undercorrection, overcorrection, and regression
  • fluctuating vision
  • loss of best- corrected acuity
  • infection and ulceration
  • rupture of cornea or eyeball
  • no response
  • light sensitivity, halos, glare, and starbursts
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