What is PRK?
PRK is a surgical procedure that uses a laser to alter the shape of the cornea, the clear dome-shaped tissue at the front of your eye to correct refractive errors myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It serves as a safe alternative to glasses and contact lenses for the right candidate.
The difference between PRK and LASIK eye surgery
PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction. PRK is different from LASIK, in that the laser eye specialist does not cut a flap into the cornea before using the laser. Instead, this pulse is administered directly to your cornea after the epithelium (outer layer) of the cornea is removed. PRK is typically recommended for patients whose corneas are too thin for LASIK or have mild dry eyes. Though the recovery period is longer for PRK than LASIK, it is still commonly performed and has a few advantages.
What to expect
Most patients take a mild sedative before their PRK procedure to help them relax during the procedure. You’ll be awake during the entire procedure. Your surgeon will use numbing eye drops to numb the eyes. A speculum is used to hold your eyelids open while you stare at a designated light. You will not have to worry about blinking during the procedure. During PRK surgery, the epithelium (outer layer) of your cornea is removed before your cornea is reshaped by the instrument laser. There is no need to create a flap on the cornea like with LASIK. This eliminates the risk of flap complications. The epithelium regrows within a few days after surgery. The PRK procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. We suggest that you make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
Recovery after PRK
You will need to wear a clear shields over your eyes for a few days to protect them while they heal. Your eyes might feel some moderate discomfort and scratchy for a week following of your procedure; plan on spending the rest of the day relaxing or napping. Your doctor will give you prescription eyedrops to prevent infection and inflammation as well as artificial tears to keep your eyes moist. The PRK procedure usually has a longer recovery period, and you’re more likely to have temporary hazy vision. Plan to take a few days off work and avoid physical activity until your eye has healed. You’ll need to see your Oakland optometrist for a few post-op visits during the healing process. However, once you recover, your vision quality should be similar to that provided by a LASIK procedure. Over the next few months, your vision will stabilize and become more clear as your eyes heal.
Who is a good candidate for PRK?
Individuals who don’t qualify for other types of laser eye surgery due to thin corneas or dry eyes are more likely to qualify for PRK.
How does PRK improve your visual Health?
PRK reduces or eliminates your reliance on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly. It is an excellent alternative if you have issues wearing contact lenses or prefer not to wear glasses.
What are the benefits of PRK?
There are several benefits associated with PRK:
PRK can reduce your ongoing expenses for corrective vision lenses and products. Though PRK is not covered by insurance, you can ultimately save money on your vision care expenses in the long term. If your PRK procedure costs $5000 and you usually spend $500 each year on glasses, contacts, and other corrective products, you’ll recoup the cost of your surgery in 10 years.
PRK offers convenience.
One of the top reasons that Oakland optometrists recommend PRK to their patients is that it makes their lives more convenient. They no longer have to worry about carrying extra cases to hold their glasses or solutions to clean their contact lenses.
PRK has a high success rate.
Under the care of our trusted ophthalmologists, an estimated 90 percent of patients can ditch their glasses or contacts after undergoing PRK. This is a favorable success rate that makes the procedure a safe and wise investment.
PRK is more ideal for individuals with dry eyes.
PRK does not cut a flap into your cornea, decreasing your chances of experiencing more dry eyes after surgery.
If you’re interested in improving your vision with PRK laser eye surgery, contact us to schedule a consultation.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
PRK, also known as photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of eye surgery used to fix refractive problems (like farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism) that affect your eyesight.
Other laser eye services
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Dr. Diana Pham
Laser Eye Surgery
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Photorefractive Keratectomy: A laser eye surgery that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
