PRK

About PRK – What is PRK? Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

PRK stand for Photorefractive keratectomy. PRK is very similar to LASIK and both of these eye surgery techniques are referred to as refractive surgery. PRK was the first laser refractive surgery approved by the FDA receiving final approval in 1995. This is a surgery and the results cannot be guaranteed. PRK is a refractive procedure that utilizes the excimer laser to reshape the outer surface of cornea and improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The amount of tissue reshaped depends on the severity of the prescription. Once the cornea has flattened, light rays are more easily focused upon the retina. PRK differs from LASIK in that no flap of tissue is created prior to resculpting the cornea with the excimer laser. In LASIK this flap creation does enable a faster recovery period but also is the cause of most post lasik complications. LASIK and PRK are both excellent and effective types of refractive surgery. In order to determine which procedure would be most beneficial to your eyes you must really see a qualified ophthalmologist and undergo a pre-operative evaluation.

The PRK surgery at Rosin Eye Care

The procedure can be performed once the eye has been numbed with anesthetic drops. A speculum will be positioned to hold your eyelids back just like in LASIK so that your eyelids will not interrupt the actual surgery. Dr. Rosin will then remove the outer cornea cells and proceed with the actual laser treatment. The laser is the positioned to directly treat the cornea. This laser delivery takes less than one minute to complete for most patients. Once the laser treatment or refractive ablation is completed, the corneal curvature is reshaped, thus improving the refractive error. Dr. Rosin will then place a bandage contact lens on the eye for improved comfort along with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops.

Using PRK Today

Photorefractive keratectomy is most commonly used when a patient wants laser vision correction but has thin corneas. Performing LASIK is not an option on a patient that has thin corneas so Rosin Eye Care offers PRK if the patient has thin corneas and is a candidate for the procedure. If a patient has thin corneas and is highly nearsighted we have other technologies that may be more suitable. Please feel free to inquire about the revolutionary ICL or implantable contact lens made by Staar Surgical. This new ICL can correct up to –20 diopters of nearsightedness (myopia) Click Here to learn about the Implantable Contact Lens.

As you can see there are many options for correcting vision at Rosin Eye Care. We are committed to the very latest in refractive surgery technology, but also dedicated to helping our patients with any eye care need even glasses.