PRK Surgery
PRK Surgery 鈥 The Complete Guide by SightMD
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a proven laser vision correction procedure that has helped patients achieve clearer vision for decades.
At SightMD, PRK remains a trusted option for individuals who may not be candidates for LASIK due to corneal thickness or surface irregularities. Our experienced surgeons use advanced laser technology and personalized planning to deliver safe, precise, and long-lasting results鈥攇uiding you through every step of the process.
What is PRK Eye Surgery?
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is one of the earliest forms of laser vision correction and remains an effective alternative to LASIK. This procedure has also been referred to as听LASEK. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap. Instead, the laser reshapes the surface of the cornea to correct refractive errors.
PRK is often recommended for patients with thin corneas, corneal surface irregularities, or other factors that make LASIK less suitable. Like LASIK, PRK uses an excimer laser to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism鈥攂ut it does so directly on the corneal surface rather than deeper layers.
Am I A Candidate for PRK Surgery?
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a proven laser vision correction procedure that has helped patients achieve clearer vision for decades.
At SightMD, PRK remains a trusted option for individuals who may not be candidates for LASIK due to corneal thickness or surface irregularities. Our experienced surgeons use advanced laser technology and personalized planning to deliver safe, precise, and long-lasting results鈥攇uiding you through every step of the process.
What Are the Benefits of PRK Surgery?
PRK offers many of the same long-term benefits as LASIK, while avoiding the creation of a corneal flap. It is a reliable option for patients seeking permanent vision correction with excellent outcomes.
Key benefits of PRK include:
- Predictable, long-term visual results
- Reduced risk of flap-related complications
- An excellent option for patients with thinner corneas
- Stable, lasting vision correction despite a longer recovery compared to LASIK
The PRK Surgery Experience at SightMD
At SightMD, your PRK experience is carefully planned and guided by experienced surgeons using advanced diagnostic and laser technology. Below is an overview of what to expect before, during, and after your PRK procedure.
What to Expect Before PRK Surgery Vision
Before PRK surgery, you鈥檒l attend a comprehensive consultation with your surgeon where your eye health, vision, and corneal structure are thoroughly evaluated using advanced diagnostic testing. Your surgeon will confirm candidacy, discuss realistic expectations, and review the procedure in detail, including how to prepare ahead of surgery, recovery timelines, visual milestones, and post-operative care instructions.
You may be instructed to stop wearing contact lenses for a period of time before surgery to allow your cornea to return to its natural shape and ensure accurate measurements can be taken. If medicated eye drops are prescribed by your doctor, it is important to fill them in advance so you are fully prepared and can begin the recovery process immediately after your procedure.
What to Expect During PRK Surgery
On the day of surgery, antibiotic eye drops will be administered, as well as numbing eye drops and a prescription medication to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Your eyes will be examined before surgery using the iDESIGN庐 WaveScan System 鈥 an advanced technology used to create a 鈥渕ap鈥 of your unique visual system, ensuring the most precise results possible.
The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea using controlled pulses of ultraviolet light. Though changes are microscopic, they are enough to sufficiently flatten the cornea (for patients with nearsightedness), steepen the cornea (for farsightedness), and/or smooth out corneal irregularities (for astigmatism). The laser portion of PRK typically takes about one minute per eye, after which a protective bandage contact lens is placed to support healing.
What to Expect After PRK Surgery
PRK has a slower recovery time than LASIK, as the corneal surface must regenerate naturally. New epithelial cells typically grow back within four to five days, during which time discomfort, light sensitivity, tearing, and blurred vision are common and expected.
You鈥檒l be prescribed eye drops to support healing and manage symptoms, and pain medication may be recommended for the first few days. A protective bandage contact lens will be placed on the eye and must remain in position until your surgeon removes it鈥攗sually around day five. Most patients are able to return to work after a week, though vision continues to gradually sharpen and stabilize over the course of the next several weeks. Any activities you engage in should be safe and not cause any significant strain to your vision during the recovery process.
What Results Can I Expect After PRK?
While PRK recovery requires patience, long-term results are excellent. Most patients achieve 20/20 vision or better once healing is complete.
Depending on the severity of your corneal issues before PRK, some individuals may still need to wear glasses or contacts for specific tasks after surgery, but prescriptions are often significantly reduced. Like LASIK, PRK does not prevent presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision that typically occurs after age 40. Presbyopia involves muscles in the lens becoming less flexible, while PRK is focused on reshaping the cornea.
PRK Surgery FAQs: