How Does PRK Surgery Work?
If you are exploring vision correction options and have found out you are not a candidate for LASIK, you may think laser eye surgery is off the table. Fortunately, PRK surgery is an equally effective option that lets people who cannot have LASIK enjoy clearer vision and more freedom to enjoy their favorite activities.
What is PRK Surgery?
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a form of laser eye surgery. Like LASIK, it works by using a computer-guided excimer laser to change the shape of your corneas. These structures allow light to enter your eyes, helping it focus on the retina to form an image. When the focus of light does not fall on the retina, your brain receives a blurry image. After PRK, this focus has been corrected, and you see more clearly.
How Does PRK Surgery Work?
Your eyes are numbed for your procedure, so you will not feel any discomfort. Your eye surgeon begins PRK by removing the outermost layer (epithelium) of your cornea exposing the middle layers. The excimer laser then removes thin fractions of corneal tissue until it achieves the required shape. Your eye surgeon will place a protective contact lens bandage over the treated eye. The actual reshaping takes seconds, although the entire process takes about 15 minutes.
What are the Benefits of PRK?
PRK is often not the first choice for many people because it has a longer recovery time than LASIK. However, it makes laser eye surgery an option for those who might otherwise not be able to benefit.
Safe for Thin Corneas
Because LASIK works by creating a flap in the surface of your cornea, it is not suitable for those whose corneas are thin or unstable. Because PRK removes the epithelium and lets it regenerate completely, it may be able to help these individuals.
Request a Consultation
We’d love to help you get all the information you need in order to make the best choice for your eyes. Request a consultation today! Our staff is available and happy to answer your every question.
Safe for Contact Sports Players
The flap created by LASIK leaves an area of instability that could become disrupted under some circumstances, including during contact sports. If these activities are part of your lifestyle, PRK might be the best laser eye surgery for you.
Offers PRK Xtra
Since PRK is often performed on people with corneal problems, we can use it as an opportunity. During PRK Xtra, your eye surgeon strengthens your corneas after PRK by applying riboflavin (vitamin B2) and activating it with UV light to form new cross-links. This optional step is useful for stabilizing many corneal conditions.
What is Recovery Like After PRK?
The contact lens bandage applied after surgery will remain in place for several days, protecting your eye while the epithelium regrows. You may experience some discomfort and irritation, and you should use your prescribed eye drops as directed. Your vision will improve rapidly over the next few weeks, although you may continue to experience light sensitivity and glare. Your vision will fully stabilize after about three months.
Take the Next Step
To learn more about PRK laser eye surgery, please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or by calling (866) 458-1545. We look forward to helping you!
