CPT® Code 65771

Radial keratotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting nearsightedness, also known as myopia. This condition occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too steep, causing distant objects to appear blurry. During radial keratotomy, the surgeon makes precise incisions in the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. These incisions are strategically placed to flatten the cornea, thereby altering its shape and improving the eye's ability to focus light on the retina. Although radial keratotomy was once a common method for treating nearsightedness, it has largely been supplanted by more advanced techniques such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and epi-LASIK, which offer improved outcomes and reduced recovery times. The procedure involves careful preoperative assessment, including mapping the eye with a slit lamp to determine the appropriate number and location of incisions based on the severity of the patient's myopia. This meticulous approach ensures that the surgical intervention is tailored to the individual needs of the patient, aiming for optimal visual correction.