Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a trusted laser eye surgery designed for effective vision correction. Ideal for those seeking a lasting solution without the complications of flap-based procedures.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to improve vision and reduce or even eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. It is a safe outpatient procedure that takes only a few minutes per eye and is ideal for patients who are not candidates for flap-based surgeries. With a long history of successful outcomes, PRK remains a trusted option for many seeking effective vision correction.
Your experience begins with the application of anesthetic eye drops to ensure you feel no pain throughout the surgery.
An instrument is used to gently hold your eyelid open while you focus on a target light. This allows our refractive eye surgeon to work precisely on your cornea.
The surgeon delicately removes the outer layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium. This layer, which is as thin as a human hair, is necessary to be removed in order to access the stroma, where reshaping will occur.
An excimer laser then delivers controlled pulses of cool ultraviolet light; these precise bursts remove minuscule amounts of tissue from the cornea to achieve the proper curvature required for clear vision. The adjustments can be made with extreme accuracy, down to one-thousandth of a millimeter.
After the reshaping process, a protective bandage contact lens is placed over your eye. This lens helps shield the cornea as the epithelial cells begin to regenerate over the next few days.
Each of these steps is designed to maximize safety and precision, so you know you’re in good hands throughout your PRK treatment.
You may feel a slight pressure during the procedure, but thanks to the numbing drops, any discomfort is minimal. The entire process for each eye typically takes between five and fifteen minutes.
This laser is a remarkably precise tool that targets only the specific areas of your cornea requiring reshaping, without affecting surrounding tissues. This precision contributes to the overall safety and effectiveness of PRK.
Since the procedure is done with the aid of anesthetic drops, it is described as generally painless. Most patients are astounded by how smooth and controlled the process is.
Your experience during the procedure is carefully managed to ensure that you remain comfortable and secure, reinforcing the trust you place in our refractive eye surgeon.
Find a top optometrist near you to discuss if PRK is the right choice for your vision correction needs.
Once the excimer laser has completed its work, a bandage contact lens is placed on your eye. This protective covering helps reduce discomfort while your corneal epithelial cells regrow. Typically, the lens is removed after three to five days, once enough new tissue has formed.
As the epithelium heals, you might experience mild to moderate discomfort that resembles having a foreign object in your eye. Common experiences include tearing, light sensitivity, and a transient blurring of vision. These symptoms usually peak around the second or third day after surgery.
In the days following the surgery, you may notice gradual changes in your vision. For many patients, the initial clarity ranges from 20/30 to 20/50, depending on the extent of the treatment. As the new epithelial layer continues to smooth out, which takes about four to six weeks, your vision will steadily improve.
Though it may take several weeks for you to notice the full benefits, your vision is typically considered stable by three to six months after PRK. If necessary, our refractive eye surgeon may discuss a secondary procedure to adjust and enhance your outcome.
The recovery period after PRK is a gradual process, and while patience is required, the long-term results are well worth the brief period of healing and adjustment.
Choosing between PRK and LASIK depends largely on your eye’s health, corneal thickness, and lifestyle considerations. Our refractive eye surgeon takes careful measurements and evaluates your vision needs during a comprehensive exam to determine the procedure that is best suited to you.
Find a top optometrist near you to discuss if PRK is the right choice for your vision correction needs.
PRK is a safe, laser eye surgery for vision correction, reducing the need for glasses and offering long-term results. Learn more today!
