U Education

PRK eye surgery, also known as photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of laser eye surgery used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It is one of the oldest types of laser refractive surgeries available and is designed to reshape the cornea in order to improve vision.

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During PRK eye surgery, a thin layer of tissue on the outer surface of the cornea is gently removed by an excimer laser. This allows light entering the eye to be more precisely focused onto the retina, resulting in clearer vision. Once the desired shape has been achieved, this same process can be repeated until correction is complete.

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The procedure typically takes between 5 and 10 minutes per eye. During the surgery, topical drops are used to numb the eyes and a laser is used to gently reshape the cornea. After the procedure, an antibiotic ointment and protective shield may be placed over the eye for a few days until healing has occurred.

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Patients who undergo PRK eye surgery typically experience improved vision within 1-2 weeks, although complete recovery can take several weeks or longer. The most common side effects of PRK include glare, haloing, dryness and light sensitivity. These side effects are usually temporary but in some cases can become permanent.

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Overall, PRK eye surgery provides many patients with clear vision without glasses or contact lenses and can be a great alternative to LASIK surgery for those who may not qualify due to thin corneas or other factors. It is important, however, to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor before making any decisions.

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PRK eye surgery can help provide you with clear vision without glasses or contacts. Be sure to consult your ophthalmologist about whether this type of laser surgery is right for you. With proper care and monitoring after the procedure, PRK eye surgery can be a safe and effective way to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

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How does PRK eye surgery differ from LASIK?

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PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) are similar forms of laser eye surgery used to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. However, there are some important differences between the two procedures.

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One of the main differences is that PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap. During the procedure an excimer laser is used to reshape the front surface of the cornea, without having to cut a flap like with LASIK surgery. As such, PRK can be a better choice for patients with thin or irregularly shaped corneas who are ineligible for LASIK.

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Another difference between PRK and LASIK is the recovery time. With PRK, post-operative discomfort lasts longer than with LASIK and it takes a few days to heal completely. In addition, visual results usually take several weeks to become stable after PRK surgery compared to just a few days with LASIK.

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PRK also carries slightly higher risks of complications such as dry eye syndrome, haze formation, glare or halos around lights at night, undercorrection or overcorrection of vision problems, and more rarely infection or scarring of the cornea. On the other hand, LASIK has a greater risk for flap complications and dislocation due to its use of an excimer laser to create a corneal flap.

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PRK and LASIK are two effective options for vision correction, but it’s important for patients to discuss their individual needs with an eye care professional in order to decide which procedure is right for them. It’s also important to be aware of the potential risks associated with each type of surgery before making a final decision.

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PRK Surgery Recovery

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Expect slight discomfort and light sensitivity after your PRK surgery, but otherwise it is a relatively straightforward recovery. In most cases, it takes at least two weeks for eyesight to improve after your PRK surgery. During this time, regular follow-up visits with your doctor will help track progress. It is also important to avoid any strenuous activities or contact sports that may cause eye trauma until the healing process has completed.

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Contact UELC to Get Started

With the proper care and attention, PRK surgery can be a highly successful procedure with excellent results. While recovery times and side effects vary between individuals, following your doctor's post-operative instructions closely will help ensure the best outcome for your vision needs. Reach out to UELC today to get more information and help to determine if PRK surgery is the right solution for you.