Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

PRK is very similar to LASIK and both of these eye surgery techniques are referred to as refractive surgery. PRK was the first laser refractive surgery approved by the FDA receiving final approval in 1995. PRK is a safe refractive procedure that utilizes the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The amount of tissue reshaped depends on the severity of the prescription. In most cases, 5 to 10 percent of the cornea is removed. Once the cornea has flattened, light rays are more easily focused upon the retina, PRK differs from LASIK in that no flap of tissue is created prior to resculpting the cornea with the excimer laser. In LASIK this flap creation does enable to faster recovery period and less post-operative discomfort.

The procedure can be performed once the eye has been numbed with anesthetic drops. A speculum will be positioned to hold your eyelids back just like in LASIK so that your eyelids will not interrupt the actual surgery. 

The ophthalmologist will then remove the outer cornea cells and proceed with the actual laser treatment. The laser delivery takes less than one minute to complete for most patients. Once the laser treatment or refractive ablation is completed, the corneal curvature is reshaped, thus improving the refractive error. Your ophthalmologist will then place a bandage contact lens on the eye for improved comfort along with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops.

PRK is a safe, effective alternative to LASIK for many potential refractive surgery patients. PRK results are very similar to LASIK results. In general, PRK patients will have a somewhat slower recovery period. You may have discomfort that varies in intensity for up to three days. Appropriate pain medication is provided. PRK is offered mostly to those patients whose corneas are too thin for LASIK or those with a history of recurrent erosions or corneal healing problems.

Post-operatively, most patients will need to be re-evaluated one day, one week, one month, three months, six months and a year following the PRK procedure. The bandage contact lens can usually be removed on the first post-operative day when the epithelium is healed. Most patients will only require eye drops to control healing during the first few weeks.    

To learn more about the PRK procedure, call Regional Eye Associates at 1-877-325-2745.