Refractive Surgery: PRK 

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a procedure to reshape corneal tissue to help you see better without glasses or corrective lenses. This method uses an excimer laser. This laser produces a concentrated beam of cool ultraviolet (UV) light. Each pulse of the laser can remove a tiny part of corneal tissue. PRK can be used to treat the following conditions:

• Farsightedness (hyperopia)

• Nearsightedness (myopia)

• Blurred vision caused by an abnormally shaped cornea (astigmatism)

What to expect

• Before treatment, you may be given medicine to help you relax.

• Eye drops numb your eyes. A device is used to keep your eyes open.

• A small surgical tool or the laser is first used to remove the surface of the central part of your cornea (the epithelium). Laser treatment lasts for  10 to 90 seconds.

• After laser treatment, you will wear a contact lens as a bandage for a few days. This protects the cornea as it heals.

• For a few days after the procedure, your vision may seem worse. It should start to improve in about 3 to 5days, and may take a month or longer to achieve your best vision.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

• Eye pain, or as directed by your provider

• Symptoms that get worse, or don’t get better with treatment

• New symptoms

Cons of PRK

• Mild to moderate pain after surgery

• Longer vision recovery than LASIK

• May need to use eye drops for 3 months or longer

• Risk of corneal scarring or haze

• Risk of short-term (temporary) or long-lasting (permanent) dry eye

• Risk of night vision problems, such as halos, glare, or starbursts

• Risk of undercorrection or overcorrection

• Risk of losing your best corrected vision

Pros of PRK

• No risk of flap problems

• Better for people with thin corneas, previous glaucoma surgery, mild corneal scars, or other cornea problems