Radial keratotomy, or R-K, is a relatively simple procedure; however, it’s not without risk. Because your cornea is only 1/50th of an inch thick, very precise cuts are required to avoid damage. What’s more, the diamond scalpel used in the procedure, though finely-honed, cannot remove tissue as smoothly as a laser can. This affects healing, making it difficult to predict the degree of correction you’ll end up with. Surgery may undercorrect or overcorrect your vision; additional surgery may be required. The patient can experience side effects like glare or haze in the visual field. There could be more serious complications, such as eyes that see with different powers, or see images in different sizes. Also possible is a drooping eyelid, or an eye that will not close; double vision; retinal hemorrhage or detachment; optic atrophy; corneal anesthesia; or eye stroke.

After R-K surgery, the cornea may be more vulnerable to future injury or infection, and have trouble tolerating a contact lens. To find out more about the potential risks of radial keratotomy, have a thorough discussion with an optometrist or opthalmologist.