Is Laser Vision Correction the same as Radial Keratotomy (RK)?

No. While both treatments are designed to correct nearsightedness, RK and laser vision correction are not the same. The revolution in eyecare - changing the shape of the cornea itself - began with radial keratotomy (RK). Although successful with some types of nearsightedness, RK is an invasive surgical procedure involving the use of scalpels to make a series of corneal incisions, cutting into as much as 95% of the cornea. Laser vision correction uses a state-of-the-art, computerized excimer laser to reshape the cornea with no incisions. During the last decade, physicians worldwide have turned increasingly to laser vision correction and have performed the treatment over one million times. What can I expect from the laser vision correction procedure? Prior to treatment, the physician administers anesthetic eyedrops to the patient to numb the cornea. After the eye drops have had a chance to take effect, the patient is positioned in a comfortable chair centered underneath the laser and ...  more

No. While both treatments are designed to correct vision, RK and laser vision correction are not the same. The revolution in eye care, changing the shape of the cornea itself, began with radial keratotomy (RK). Although successful with some types of nearsightedness, RK is an invasive surgical procedure involving use of scalpels to make a series of corneal incisions, cutting into as much as 95% of the cornea. Laser vision correction uses a state-of-the-art, computerized excimer laser to reshape the cornea. During the last decade, physicians worldwide have turned increasingly to laser vision correction and have performed the treatment over one million times.  more