Ophthalmology
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
What is photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery?
Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is an effective form of vision correction using the same laser technology as LASIK. It can treat:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
As an alternative to LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a flap in the cornea. Instead, your surgeon will:
- Remove the surface skin cells prior to lasering your prescription
- Place a contact lens to protect your eye while the cells heal
Recovery time is longer with PRK, and patients often experience more discomfort for the first few days after the procedure compared with LASIK.
How does PRK eye surgery work?
The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes. The procedure is quick and generally painless.
Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll receive medication to help you relax, but you’ll stay awake during the procedure.
- Your eye is numbed with anesthetic eye drops.
- Your eye surgeon places an eyelid holder on your eye so you don’t blink.
- Your ophthalmologist removes the thin outer layer of cells on your cornea (the epithelium) using a special brush, blade, laser, or alcohol solution.
- You’ll be asked to stare at a target light to keep your eye steady.
- The ophthalmologist reshapes your cornea using a precisely programmed laser, customized for your individual eye measurements.
Watch this short video to see how PRK surgery works
Who is a good candidate for PRK eye surgery?
To be a candidate for PRK, you should meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old — ideally, over 21, when your vision is more likely to have stopped changing.
- Have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year.
- Not be pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant within six months of surgery.
- Have a cornea that is stable for laser surgery, as determined by your doctor.
What is PRK surgery recovery like?
Right after surgery, your ophthalmologist will place a “bandage” contact lens over your eye to help it heal. You do not need to remove this yourself. Your surgeon will take it out about five to seven days after surgery.
Your vision will be blurry at first. Over the next three to five days, as your eye heals, your vision will gradually improve.
Please call us to schedule your consultation at 833-LASER-99 (833-527-3799).
