PRK

What is PRK?

Photorefractive Keratectomy: PRK was the first laser refractive surgery approved by the FDA and has been performed for over 15 years. PRK differs from LASIK in that no flap of tissue is created prior to resculpting the cornea with the excimer laser. This makes PRK a good option for patients whose corneas may be too thin for LASIK or have a curvature that might make creating a flap unsafe. PRK may also be a better treatment for patients with moderately dry eyes. Creation of a corneal flap with LASIK induces a temporary dry eye which can worsen a pre-existing dry eye. Since PRK doesn't involve creating a corneal flap, there is quicker recovery with respect to dry eye. PRK can be used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

PRK is a safe, viable alternative to LASIK for many patients. In the long term, PRK and LASIK are very equivalent procedures in so far as vision is concerned. The primary difference is the speed of visual recovery and the comfort in the first few days after surgery. PRK has a more uncomfortable recovery for several days after surgery.

What to Expect

During PRK, the top layer of the cornea is gently removed to prepare the eye for treatment. Originally, this top layer, or epithelium was mechanically removed by the surgeon. Today, a variant of PRK originally known as LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis ) uses a dilute alcohol solution to loosen the epithelium prior to removal. This top layer is one of that fastest healing tissues in the human body. The excimer laser is then used to resculpt the shape of the cornea reducing your refractive error in the same fashion as is done after flap creation with LASIK. Anesthetic drops are used which numb the eye making the actual procedure painless.

To schedule your FREE LOS ANGELES LASIK consultation, please call 310.275.5533 and we would be happy to help you or click here.