PRK Surgery – Advantages & What To Expect

PRK surgery is a common procedure performed by ophthalmologists to correct vision problems such as near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hypermetropia), or astigmatism. The procedure involves reshaping the cornea using laser ablation.

PRK is a type of refractive surgery that uses a special laser to remove layers of tissue from the eye’s surface. This reshapes the cornea, allowing light rays to focus correctly on the retina at the back of the eye.

PRK is a safe and effective way to treat myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. It has minimal side effects and complications. In addition, it does not require a long recovery time (7-10 days).

Advantages of PRK Surgery

1. No Flap

Although the risk of flap trauma is exceedingly rare with LASIK, PRK may be better suited for those who are not comfortable with the idea of having a flap or may be subject to eye trauma such as police officers, boxers, etc.

2. Minimal Side Effects

Compared Intraocular Lens Implants (IOLs), PRK is less invasive.

3. Fast Recovery Time

While the recovery time after PRK is slightly longer than that of options like LASIK, most find that they recover quickly and easily after the surgery. On average, PRK recovery takes about a 7-10 days, after which you can see clearly. Some people do one eye at a time which minimizes their downtime.

4. Great Alternative to LASIK

Some patients may be poor candidates for LASIK for several reasons. Those with naturally thin corneas are often not suited to LASIK. Some patients with unusual astigmatism may not be good candidates for LASIK either.

What to Expect

Before PRK surgery is performed, your eye health care provider will carefully evaluate whether you are an ideal candidate. They need to know about your medical history, current medications, your family history of eye diseases, allergies, pregnancy status, and previous experiences with laser surgery.

During the pre-surgery appointment, the doctor will examine your eyes and ensure that your visual acuity is better with both eyes open. They will check your eyelids, tear ducts, and conjunctiva. During this examination, your doctor will perform several tests, including but not limited to:

• Slit Lamp Exam
• Fundoscopy
• Pupil Examination

Schedule a Consultation

If you are curious about PRK or other laser eye procedures, schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist at Boston Vision. Call our office or contact us online.