PRK

Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct mild to moderate conditions of myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It is the second most common type of laser eye surgery after LASIK. While during LASIK a flap is created to access the cornea, during PRK the entire epithelial layer of the cornea is removed and later allowed to grow back. During both processes, the cornea is reshaped to provide vision correction.

Advantages of PRK

Compared to LASIK, PRK provides the surgeon with greater control over the location and amount of tissue being removed, which permits more precise results. PRK gently sculpts the cornea rather than cuts, maintaining corneal strength while providing impressive vision correction.

Other advantages of the PRK procedure include:

• Less depth of laser treatment
• No corneal flap complications
• Ability to be performed on thin corneas

The PRK procedure offers distinct benefits to individuals whose activities put them at elevated risk of eye injury (boxers, for example) and for patients whose corneas are too thin, or whose pupils are too large, to permit LASIK. PRK also avoids not only the complications from corneal flaps, but a serious complication of LASIK known as corneal ectasia, which can result in distorted vision and even permanent vision loss.

Disadvantages of PRK

While PRK may be a preferable to LASIK surgery for some patients, there may be disadvantages to the procedure as well, including:

• More discomfort for the first few days after surgery
• Longer recovery period
• Greater risk of postsurgical eye infection
• Greater risk of temporary or permanent haziness of the cornea

Both LASIK and PRK have comparable rates of vision improvement and carry some of the same risks, so a serious consultation with the ophthalmologist is necessary to determine which surgery will be most beneficial to the individual patient.

The PRK Procedure

Before the PRK procedure begins, the eyes are numbed with anesthetic eye drops. The surgeon then uses an excimer laser, with targeted laser energy, to reshape the cornea. The surgeon has complete control over the laser throughout the procedure, for a highly precise and customized result, designed to give each patient the best vision possible.

The entire procedure takes only a few minutes to perform. Because of the potential for blurred vision for a time after PRK, the surgery is often performed on only one eye at a time, with the surgeon waiting to schedule the second eye until the vision in the first has adequately cleared.

After the procedure, the eyes are bandaged with a soft contact lens to protect the cornea. New cells will grow back over the next few days to replace the cells that were removed. The contact lens will be removed by the surgeon in a follow-up examination.

Recovery After the PRK Procedure

After the PRK procedure is completed, patients are instructed to rest before returning home. They may required to wear eyeglasses after the procedure until their vision has stabilized. The surgeon prescribes eye drops to prevent infection and keep the eyes moistened.

While vision may improve immediately after the PRK procedure, full results may take several days or weeks to become apparent. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least a week because this can interfere with the healing process. Patients will likely be able to see well enough to drive a car after 2 to 3 weeks.

Results After the PRK Procedure

The results of PRK are considered comparable to those of LASIK. Some patients may experience only 20/40 vision and may still need glasses or contact lenses after their procedure. PRK does not correct presbyopia, a natural change in the eyes that affects people over the age of 40. Patients who require glasses for reading will continue to need them after surgery. It is important for patients to maintain realistic expectations of the results of any laser surgery if they are to be satisfied with the results.

Risks of PRK

As with any type of surgery, there are certain risks associated with the PRK procedure, including:

• Postsurgical infection
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Inaccurate vision correction
• Sensitivity to light
• Problems with night vision, such as halos
• Hazy vision
• Dry eyes

Many of the complications that may arise after PRK are similar to those that may occur after any type of refractive surgery.