Radial keratotomy is a surgical technique which uses a diamond scalpel to reshape the cornea and correct myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness. In R-K, a series of corneal incisions are made in a spoke-like pattern; this eventually flattens the cornea, allowing light to be properly focused on the retina. Results may vary for each patient, though many people can reach vision of 20/40 or better. However, annoying side effects are also possible, such as glare, haze and distortions. R-K generally works best for those between the ages of eighteen and sixty. In order to be a candidate, you’ll need to meet certain conditions. You must have only mild to moderate myopia; the nearsightedness should be fairly stable; and your cornea must be normal and disease-free. The procedure takes about twenty minutes; the average recovery time is one to three months. If you’re nearsighted and cannot tolerate contact lenses, you might want to ask an optometrist or ophthalmologist about R-K. He or she can tell you more about radial keratotomy, as well as newer procedures to improve nearsightedness.