PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) eye surgery is the forerunner to the popular LASIK and is a similar laser surgery but without the corneal flap usually performed under LASIK.
Both PRK or LASIK are types of eye surgery performed to correct a person’s vision, thus reducing dependency on glasses or contact lenses. Both nearsighted and farsighted people can greatly benefit from PRK refractive eye surgery.
Invented in early 1980s, PKR eye surgery is performed with an excimer laser, which uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove very tiny bits of tissue from the surface of the cornea in order to reshape it.
With nearsighted people, the goal is to flatten the too-steep cornea; with farsighted people, a steeper cornea is desired. Also, excimer lasers can correct astigmatism too, by smoothing an irregular cornea into a more normal shape.
Approximately 90% of those who opt for PRK have 20/20 vision without glasses or contact lenses one year after the eye surgery; 95%-98% have 20/40 or better without glasses or contacts.
Though there appears to be minimal risk associated with PRK eye surgery. It’s not uncommon to experience some initial minor irritation and light sensitivity following the laser surgery. However, both symptoms generally resolve in a short period of time.
Before Eye Surgery
Before you elect to undergo PRK eye surgey, the first step is to have proper eye exams by a qualified surgeon to determine if you’re eligible for PRK. Your eye doctor will examine your eyes to determine exactly what kind of vision correction you need and how much laser ablation is required.
You’ll also be asked of your medical history as certain medical conditions may disqualify you as a candidate for PRK.
During Eye Surgery
Typically PRK eye surgery takes less than a minute while you’re awake. Your eyes are first anesthetized with special drops and positioned under the laser with a special suction ring that keeps your eye pressurized and immobile.
Once your eye is in the correct position, the laser sends pulses of ultraviolet light onto the surface of your cornea that painlessly remove the tissue, not underneath a flap on the cornea, as in LASIK. One eye is operated one at a time using a special computer that guide the laser according to your specific prescription.
After Eye Surgery
As with any kind of eye surgery, great care is necessary to take care of your eyes post surgery. You should expect to visit your eye doctor at least a few times during the first 6 months after surgery, with the first visit being 1-3 days after surgery.
Your eyes will be examined to make sure that the cornea is healing properly. You may be required to wear a special “bandage” contact lens, use antibiotic drops for a few days, and apply anti-inflammatory drops for several weeks.
Although glasses and contact lenses have provided many people with improved vision, they are very inconvenient. And for some people they do not give the quality of vision desired. PRK eye surgery may just be the single best option for vision correction whether you’re nearsighted or farsighted. It’s effective, fast and painless.