Laser Vision Correction - PRK
PRK, or Photorefractive Keratectomy, was the most common refractive vision correction surgery procedure prior to the advent of LASIK. PRK was the first procedure to use an excimer laser to treat many types of refractive vision errors, including nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It is still the ideal procedure of choice for certain patients.
Advantages
PRK can be a viable option over LASIK due to the following:
- A long history of very effective results
- Eliminates flap-related complications
- Works better for patients with thin, irregular or scarred corneas
Ideal PRK candidates should be at least 18 years of age and have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year. Patients with dry eyes, cataracts and degenerative or autoimmune diseases are not good candidates.
The Procedure
PRK differs most from LASIK during the first step of the procedure. In PRK, after applying anesthetic eye drops, your doctor will first remove the thin protective layer of tissue that covers the cornea, called the epithelium.
Next, an excimer laser applies a cool beam of light, which gently reshapes the surface of the cornea, correcting the refractive error.
After the cornea is reshaped, the epithelium is allowed to grow back naturally, which typically takes 3 to 5 days. Pain during surgery is non-existent, however most patients will experience some discomfort for 3 to 5 days following surgery. Any discomfort can be treated with pain medications.
Immediately following your procedure, your vision will be blurry, but will steadily improve thereafter. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision with PRK.
If you've been told that you are not a candidate for LASIK laser vision correction, call or email Skouras Eye Centre today and schedule a free laser vision correction consultation with us. We'll evaluate your vision needs and tell you whether or not PRK is a viable LASIK alternative for you.