PRK Laser Surgery Procedure

PRK laser surgery, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of laser eye surgery designed to correct low degrees of myopia and astigmatism. PRK laser surgery differs from LASIK in that a corneal flap is not created before the laser is used to ablate the eye. In some cases, surgeons prefer the PRK procedure because it avoids flap complications (despite post-operative healing and discomfort). This type of laser vision correction is performed by a refractive surgeon as an outpatient procedure. Learn more about the PRK laser surgery procedure, healing and recovery time, and how to prepare for treatment.

Preparing for PRK Laser Surgery

There are several important tests that need to be performed before you undergo PRK laser surgery. Your doctor will perform a full eye exam and ask for your eye history to make sure that your prescription has been stable for at least one year. During this examination, the doctor will determine whether you are a good candidate for PRK laser surgery. The examination should include:

• Dilation exam to check for ocular irregularities
• Refractive error measurement
• Pupil and corneal thickness measurements
• Corneal topography map
• Tear function analysis
• Discussion of medical history, lifestyle, and expectations

If you wear soft contact lenses, you should not wear them for one week prior to your eye exam and if you wear hard or gas permeable lenses, you should not wear them for two to three weeks prior to the exam. This will ensure that your refractive error is measured properly.

The PRK Procedure

Prior to PRK laser surgery, the eye will be anesthetized with eye drops. The surgeon then uses the laser (a cool, concentrated beam of ultraviolet light) to remove the surface layer of the cornea and reshape the underlying tissue. The actual PRK procedure takes less than 15 minutes, but preoperative preparation may extend surgery time to one hour. Both eyes can be done at the same time, but some surgeons prefer to do each eye separately.

PRK Recovery and Healing Time

During your PRK laser surgery recovery time period, you will be required to wear a bandage contact lens, as opposed to LASIK surgery where you would be required to wear a protective shield over your eyes for a short period of time. In addition, you will be given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops that will need to be used as directed by your ophthalmologist. PRK healing time is generally longer and more uncomfortable than LASIK healing time. Improved vision will not be noticeable in one to two weeks.

Although PRK healing and recovery time is generally longer than with LASIK, it is important to note that the corneal flap required for LASIK surgery can take years to close, resulting in long term corneal weakness. This weakness is not significant for most people, but pilots, athletes, or anyone with a higher risk of corneal trauma should consider PRK or LASEK eye surgery over LASIK.

Locate a Doctor for PRK Laser Surgery

Are you ready to reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts? With PRK laser surgery, you can see the world in a whole new way! To find out if the PRK procedure is right for you, or to learn more about PRK recovery and healing time, contact an eye doctor in your area today! DocShop is your online connection to local eye doctors.