Was radial keratotomy the original lasik procedure?

No: Radial keratotomy (rk) was a precursor refractive surgery to lasik. In lasik, a circular flap is created and then lifted up to expose the corneal stroma. Then laser is applied and the flap replaced. In rk, radial cuts are made to create relaxing incisions to try and flatten the cornea. Late onset regression and scarring were the side effects. Current technology with lasers is better.

No: No. Although rk preceded lasik is was a surgery performed by a blade and not by a laser. It was not as precise and long term stability of prescription was poor.