What does PRK treat?

Myopia

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia, or farsightedness, occurs when distant objects are seen more clearly than close ones.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a vision condition caused by an uneven corneal curvature, leading to distorted or blurred vision.

What is PRK?

PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a refraction procedure suited for individuals with thinner corneas or those ineligible for LASIK.

Compared to LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, The Lasik Surgery Clinic eye expert removes the cornea’s outermost layer, known as the epithelium. Then, the excimer laser is used to precisely reshape the cornea, allowing light to enter the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clear, better vision. The epithelium repairs itself within a few days after the PRK eye surgery.

Basically, PRK is the same as LASIK but without a corneal flap. So, it is easier to perform. Overall, although PRK has a slower recovery time and more eye discomfort post-operation than LASIK, it is still secure and reliable.

Benefits of PRK

Suitable for most refractive errors

PRK effectively addresses common vision conditions such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

No corneal flap

The absence of a corneal flap in PRK reduces the risk of flap-related complications. This makes PRK a safer choice for some patients.

Corneal thickness preservation

As there is no corneal flap in PRK eye surgery, it preserves more corneal tissue, which can be advantageous for patients who have thinner corneas.

Smooth healing process

Although the recovery period may be slightly longer than LASIK, PRK offers an effortless healing process with excellent long-term vision improvement.

How is PRK done?

Step 1. Preparation

Numbing drops are applied to the eye to ensure a painless procedure.

Step 2. Epithelium Removal

The outer layer of the cornea is gently removed.

Step 3. Corneal Reshaping

Once the epithelium is removed, the excimer laser is used to reshape the corneal stroma.

Step 4. Laser Ablation

The laser ablates microscopic amounts of tissue in a precise pattern to correct the refractive error.

Step 5. Healing Process

A soft contact lens is placed over the eye to act as a bandage to aid in smooth healing. The epithelial cells will regenerate and completely heal within 6 months.

Step 6. Post-Operative Care

Patients are prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. The eye expert will do a follow-up checkup to ensure your eye is healing properly. Subsequent visits to The Lasik Surgery Clinic is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

Is PRK painful?

A:

Patients may experience mild discomfort or irritation. But the eye procedure itself is typically painless. After surgery, The Lasik Surgery Clinic care team will provide medication that you should take when needed. We also properly monitor you during the recovery phase.

Q:

How long does the PRK procedure take?

A:

PRK is a relatively quick procedure. The surgery itself lasts around 10 to 15 minutes. The entire process, including preparation and post-operative care, however, may take a few hours.

Q:

What is the recovery time for PRK?

A:

PRK recovery takes longer than LASIK, as it takes a few days for new epithelial cells to regenerate and cover the eye surface. Patients may experience discomfort, which can take several weeks. In most cases, improved vision can be experienced within 3 to 6 months after the PRK eye procedure.

Q:

PRK vs. LASIK

A:

Although PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) share the same goal of correcting refractive errors and eliminating the need for glasses and contact lenses, there are key differences in both eye surgery procedures.

  • In PRK, the laser treatment is directly applied to the surface of the cornea after the removal of the epithelium, making it a surface ablation procedure. With LASIK, the creation of a thin corneal flap is needed, exposing the underlying tissue for laser treatment and then repositioning the flap.
  • As there is no corneal flap created, PRK preserves more corneal tissue, making it a better option for patients with thinner corneas. It is also a better option for those who are ineligible for LASIK.
  • PRK generally has a longer recovery time compared to LASIK, as the regrowth of the epithelium can take several days to a week.
  • Patients may experience more discomfort and sensitivity during the initial healing process as the epithelium regrows compared to LASIK, which has less discomfort due to the protective corneal flap.

    Overall, both procedures are effective in correcting refractive errors, and a thorough consultation with eye professionals can help determine the most suitable treatment.

Enhance your vision with PRK

Discover the freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses with The Lasik Surgery Clinic.

Schedule a consultation with our experienced eye doctors today.