PRK

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is the first laser vision correction technique. This method is based on the removal of the epithelium (the surface part of the cornea) with a laser (Transepithelial PRK; T-PRK) and diopter correction through ablation (micron-scale remodeling) of the corneal stroma. It is suitable for corrections up to -4 diopters of the sphere and up to -1.50 diopters of the cylinder, while it is not recommended for the correction of + diopters. It is primarily advised for patients who have thin corneal tissue and for whom other diopter correction methods are not advisable.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve vision. First, the outer layer of the cornea is gently removed to expose the tissue underneath. A laser is then used to reshape the cornea, correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. After the procedure, a protective contact lens is placed on the eye to aid healing. PRK is ideal for patients with thin corneas or those who may not qualify for LASIK.

Advantages:

• PRK can help people who have thin front parts of the eye, called corneas
• PRK is good for people with corneas that are not the usual shape

Disadvantages:

• The drawback of this method is a somewhat longer postoperative recovery. Specifically, the regeneration of the corneal epithelium that is removed during the surgery can take up to 10 days, which may cause the patient to experience blurred vision, irritation, and tearing.

After PRK, your vision with glasses may not be as sharp as it was before.

You might notice halos or double vision at night, and your eyes could feel dry, sometimes for an extended period.

Over time, or as you age, the results of the surgery may diminish, particularly if you already have difficulty seeing distant objects.

If PRK isn’t suitable for you, other vision correction options are available.

LASIK is a popular alternative, where a flap is created on the cornea before reshaping it with a laser.

FemtoLASIK is another minimally invasive laser procedure.

For those who are not good candidates for laser surgery, lens-based solutions like lens replacement surgery can offer improved vision without reshaping the cornea.

PRK typically results in significantly improved vision, with many patients achieving 20/20 vision or better after healing. While recovery takes longer than LASIK, most individuals begin to notice clearer vision within a few days, with full results appearing in a few weeks. The reshaped cornea permanently improves vision, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. For many, PRK offers long-lasting clarity and freedom from corrective eyewear.