radial keratotomy

noun

radial ker·a·tot·o·my -ˌker-ə-ˈtä-tə-mē

: a surgical operation on the cornea for the correction of myopia that involves flattening it by making a series of incisions in a radial pattern resembling the spokes of a wheel compare photorefractive keratectomy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Optometrists are still banned under the new law from doing cataract surgery and radial keratotomy surgery, and selling prescription drugs. —

Michael R. Wickline, Arkansas Online, 13 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'radial keratotomy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of radial keratotomy was in 1980

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near radial keratotomy

radial head

radial keratotomy

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Radial keratotomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radial%20keratotomy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

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Medical Definition

radial keratotomy

noun

: a surgical operation on the cornea for the correction of myopia that involves flattening the cornea by making a series of incisions in a radial pattern resembling the spokes of a wheel

—abbreviation RK compare photorefractive keratectomy