PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy)
Home -> Services -> Lasik Laser Surgery -> PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy)
PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy)
PRK stands for Photorefractive keratectomy. This is a surgery that is performed along with LASIK surgery or when LASIK cannot be performed. In this surgery, the corneal epithelium is scraped away rather than forming a flap, like in LASIK, allowing the laser eye surgeon access to the cornea. Thereafter, a laser reshapes the cornea providing a lasting change to the shape and curvature. PRK surgery is both a practical and advanced modern alternative to LASIK. PRK adjusts the shape of the cornea to correct the focusing power of the eye and improve vision.
PRK is used for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It is not performed for presbyopia. LASIK cannot be done for people who have refractory errors and struggle with dry eyes or thin corneas. In such patients, PRK is a better solution than LASIK. It is also the procedure of choice for people with active lifestyles. It avoids cutting a flap of the cornea, reducing the healing period and risks of accidents after the surgery. This procedure involving corneal abrasion takes three or four days to heal. There may be moderate pain and blurred vision, but these are temporary.
To be eligible for PRK surgery, you need to meet specific criteria. These include:
- Your age: PRK can be performed in people who are 18 years or older (ideally, over 21 years old). This is because, by this age, your vision is more likely to have stopped changing and stabilized.
- Stable eye power: The prescription power should not have changed in the last year.
- PRK can treat myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. So your refractive error must be one that can be treated with PRK.
- Your cornea and your overall eye health are an essential factor determining your surgery’s successful outcome.
At the same time, PRK is not for everyone. Some people are not eligible for PRK. This includes people with:
- A prescription power which is changing or unstable refractive error
- Any systemic disease that can affect healing
- A history of excess scarring
- Presence of corneal abrasions or cornea disease
- Advanced glaucoma or cataract preexisting which affects the vision
- Conditions like Diabetes
- pregnant or nursing women
Your eye doctor will discuss these criteria and other requirements that may keep you from having PRK.
It is estimated that approximately 90% of people undergoing PRK end up with a 20/40 vision or better and do not need glasses or contact lenses.
If you are experiencing eye problems that affect your vision, LASIK laser eye surgery could be the answer. Talk to one of our surgeons to discover whether or not laser eye surgery is best for you. We are one of the best providers of laser eye treatments in Waxahachie, Texas. Call our laser eye care center at 469-505-2020.
At Texas Eye and Cataract, we know how important it is to see life with clear vision. We understand that being your best means seeing your best.