PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) is a type of eye surgery that corrects refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatisms. It is similar to LASIK surgery in that it reshapes the cornea. However, no flap is created during this eye surgery.
PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy)
PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) involves the use of a laser to reshape the cornea. During this surgery, the outer surface of the cornea is removed, and the computer-controlled laser reshapes the cornea by removing tiny sections of tissue. Once the procedure is complete, the light that enters the eye is focused correctly on the back of the eye, which dramatically improves visual clarity. At the end of the eye surgery, clear contact lenses are placed into the eyes to prevent contamination of the surgical site. These lenses are typically removed between three and five days after the procedure. During that time the surface layer of the cornea regrows.
How PRK Differs from LASIK
PRK is very similar to LASIK eye surgery with one exception. A corneal flap is not created at the beginning of the procedure. This eliminates a surgical step and eliminates corneal flap problems after surgery. However, it also means that the individual must wear a set of clear contact lenses after the surgery while the cornea heals. Both surgeries have similar success rates, and afterward, the need for corrective lenses on a daily basis is dramatically reduced or completely eliminated.
Good Candidates for PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy)
- 18 years of age or older
- Have a desire for permanent vision correction.
- No eye health issues, like AMD, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy
- No significant changes in vision for the last 12 months
- Not a good candidate for LASIK due to thin corneas
- Pupils are abnormally large
After Your PRK Surgery
After your PRK surgery, you will have clear contacts in your eyes. These lenses are not to be removed. About 24 to 48 hours after your surgery, you will have a follow-up appointment with doctors to make sure that your eyes are healing correctly and to check for any signs of complications. Between three and five days after your eye surgery, the contacts will be removed. Ten days after your surgery, your eye should be completely healed, and you should notice a significant improvement in your vision with maximum benefits occurring between three and six months after the surgery.
To schedule an appointment to see if you’d be a good candidate for PRK vision correction surgery, call us today at (601) 985-9120.
