Radial keratotomy (RK) is a refractive eye surgery procedure used to treat nearsightedness (myopia) by making radial incisions in the cornea to flatten its curvature. The goal of RK is to reduce the focusing power of the cornea and allow light to focus directly on the retina, improving vision and reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
RK was one of the first procedures used to treat refractive vision problems but has been largely replaced by newer techniques, such as LASIK, due to better precision and faster recovery times.
While RK can improve vision for some patients, it may have higher risks and complications compared to more modern refractive surgeries.