PRK
PRK, an acronym for Photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. During the procedure, the surgeon uses a specialized laser to remove the outer layer of the cornea in order to reshape it. This allows light to properly focus on the retina, thus improving vision. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a flap in the cornea. Instead, the outer layer is removed completely to allow for reshaping with an excimer laser. After the cornea has been reshaped, a soft contact lens is placed on top of the eye to help protect it while the epithelium grows back. While this means a longer recovery time and potentially more discomfort, it also means that PRK is a better option for patients with thinner corneas or other corneal irregularities that may make them unsuitable for LASIK or SMILE. Overall, PRK is a safe and effective procedure that has helped many people achieve clearer vision.
What are the benfits of PRK?
PRK gently sculpts the cornea rather than cuts, maintaining corneal strength while providing impressive vision correction. There are numerous benefits of PRK including:
- Safe - Proven long tem results with over 30 years of experience.
- Flapless - This procedure is carried out without creating a flap in the cornea, therefore, which reduces the possibility of corneal complications after surgery.
- Less corneal tissue removed - The treatment is carried out more superficially on the cornea therefore, it can be used for patients with thin corneas or irregular corneal shapes.
- Less dry eye - PRK is a good option for patients who have dry eye, as it preserves more corneal nerves than LASIK. However, the recovery time is typically longer than LASIK or SMILE, as the epithelium takes time to regenerate.
- Less complications - PRK offers distinct benefits to individuals whose activities put them at elevated risk of eye injury (boxers, for example) and for patients whose corneas are too thin, or whose pupils are too large, to permit LASIK or SMILE.
What are the disadvantages of PRK?
While PRK may be a preferable to LASIK surgery for some patients, there may be disadvantages to the procedure as well, including:
- More discomfort for the first few days after surgery
- Longer recovery period
- Greater risk of postsurgical eye infection
- Greater risk of temporary or permanent haziness of the cornea
Both LASIK and PRK have comparable rates of vision improvement and carry some of the same risks, so a consultation with our ophthalmologist is necessary to determine which surgery will be most beneficial to the individual patient.
How is PRK performed?
A diluted alcohol solution is applied to the corneal surface to aid with removal of the epithelial layer.
An excimer laser sculpts the underlying corneal tissue.
A protective bandage lens is placed over the eye until the epithelium grows back within a few days.
What is the recovery process after PRK?
After PRK, patients can expect their vision to gradually improved over several weeks. During the first few days after the procedure, patients may experience discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. This is completely normal and should subside as the eyes heal. It is important for patients to closely follow the post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon to ensure proper healing and to minimize the risk of complications. These instructions will include using prescribed eye drops, wearing protective eyewear, and avoiding rubbing the eyes.
Patients also have several follow-up appointments with their eye doctor to monitor their progress and ensure that their vision is improving as expected. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations for their vision after PRK, as it may take several weeks or even months to fully stabilize. Patients will likely be able to see well enough to drive a car after 2 to 3 weeks. Overall, PRK can offer excellent visual outcomes for those who are good candidates for the procedure.