Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is an alternative treatment for patients whose cornea may be too thin or irregular for the LASIK procedure. PRK does not involve the creation of a corneal flap, but the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) is removed. Once this is accomplished, the excimer laser is used to reshape the deeper layers of the cornea, thereby correcting the patient’s refractive errors. The epithelium, in most cases, will then grow back in three to five days.
Ideal Candidates for PRK
- People over the age of 21 and whose prescription hasn’t changed in the past year
- Patients who suffer from dry eye
- Patients who lead an overly active lifestyle
- Patients who are not eligible for LASIK
- The cornea is healthy, along with overall eye health
The Procedure
As with LASIK, the surgery to perform PRK is an outpatient procedure and only takes about 15 minutes. Prior to the surgery, numbing eye drops will be placed into the eye. The eye surgeon will use an eyelid holder to keep the eye from involuntarily blinking during the surgery. A laser is used to remove the epithelium, and then it reshapes the cornea using specific measurements.
Recovery Following PRK Surgery
Immediately following surgery, a bandage will be placed over the eye to protect it from injury and to help the cornea heal. You may be advised to stay home from work and avoid strenuous activities for two to three days following the procedure. Some patients also notice discomfort or pain in the eye a week following the surgery. Over-the-counter medications or prescription eye drops can help alleviate the discomfort. If over-the-counter medicines don’t help with pain or discomfort, you need to call your eye doctor. You will also be advised to wear sunglasses when outside for several weeks or months following the surgery because sun exposure can cause scarring.
It typically takes three to five days to notice vision changes and it can take up to one month to have clear vision.
