PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy)

PRK was the first procedure performed using the Excimer laser. It corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. The difference between LASIK and PRK is that with LASIK a corneal flap is created and the laser is applied to the inner tissue of the cornea. With PRK, the epithelium (or outer skin of the cornea) is removed and a laser is applied to the surface of the cornea. PRK can be used to correct low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Clinical and visual results are the same for PRK and LASIK.

PRK is for those who:

• have corneas too thin for iLASIK
• have severe dry eye syndrome
• have slightly abnormal corneal topography
• are involved in large amounts of contact sports
• had previous RK surgery

What to expect on surgery day:

You will arrive at the Eye Center of Texas about an hour prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in you will be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for surgery. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles will be used. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.

Next, your doctor will remove the epithelium, a thin layer of protective skin that covers the cornea. You will be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The laser will be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative exam. The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed. This is a completely painless procedure. After the laser procedure, a soft contact lens will be placed in the eye to act as a bandage while the epithelium heals. This contact lens will stay in place for four to five days and will be removed by your doctor.

Following your procedure, your eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope. Your vision may be slightly blurry or hazy for one to two weeks, but most patients are able to perform their daily activities during this time. You will experience some discomfort for two to four days as the epithelium heals and covers the treated area. Eye drops and pain medication will be used to minimize this discomfort. Most patients resume normal activities in one week. Vision can fluctuate slightly for a few months following PRK.