PRK

A Great Alternative to LASIK

PRK, “Photo-Refractive Keratectomy” or "Advanced Surface Ablation," is a laser refractive procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It’s often used for patients who are poor candidates for LASIK, such as those with thin corneas or large pupils. PRK achieves results similar to LASIK but does not involve the creation of a corneal flap and requires a longer healing time.

How PRK Improves Vision

Similar to LASIK, the procedure for PRK typically requires just seconds of laser treatment per eye. Anesthetic drops are placed in the eye; then the surgeon removes the surface layer of the cornea (the epithelium) and uses an excimer laser (Allegretto) to sculpt corneal tissue to correct the vision.

Typically, only one eye is treated at a time, though it is possible to treat both at once. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye for two to three days, as the outer layer of the cornea adequately heals. Patients may have to use eye drops or other topical medication for up to six months, and it can take between three and six months to achieve optimal vision following PRK surgery. Serious complications following PRK, or any refractive procedure, are rare.

PRK or LASIK?

Both LASIK surgery and PRK are FDA-approved as safe and effective. Patients experience very little discomfort during either procedure, and both offer similar results, although PRK takes longer to achieve optimal vision. Patients generally experience discomfort in the days following PRK because the procedure exposes deeper layers of the cornea. Patients who undergo LASIK experience almost no pain, though some report mild discomfort (usually an itchy feeling) in the eye for a day or so after the procedure.

PRK is a superb alternative for patients who are unable to receive LASIK (due to thin corneas or large pupils).

Are you a candidate for PRK?

If you believe you may be a good candidate for PRK, please contact our practice to set up a pre-surgery consultation at (920) 327-7070. Also, you can answer a few questions now to determine whether or not you might be a good candidate. In order to know with 100 % assuredness that you are a candidate for vision correction, you will need to have an examination with your surgeon.

PRK

A Great Alternative to LASIK

PRK, “Photo-Refractive Keratectomy” or "Advanced Surface Ablation," is a laser refractive procedure used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It’s often used for patients who are poor candidates for LASIK, such as those with thin corneas or large pupils. PRK achieves results similar to LASIK but does not involve the creation of a corneal flap and requires a longer healing time.

How PRK Improves Vision

Similar to LASIK, the procedure for PRK typically requires just seconds of laser treatment per eye. Anesthetic drops are placed in the eye; then the surgeon removes the surface layer of the cornea (the epithelium) and uses an excimer laser (Allegretto) to sculpt corneal tissue to correct the vision.

Typically, only one eye is treated at a time, though it is possible to treat both at once. A bandage contact lens is placed on the eye for two to three days, as the outer layer of the cornea adequately heals. Patients may have to use eye drops or other topical medication for up to six months, and it can take between three and six months to achieve optimal vision following PRK surgery. Serious complications following PRK, or any refractive procedure, are rare.

PRK or LASIK?

Both LASIK surgery and PRK are FDA-approved as safe and effective. Patients experience very little discomfort during either procedure, and both offer similar results, although PRK takes longer to achieve optimal vision. Patients generally experience discomfort in the days following PRK because the procedure exposes deeper layers of the cornea. Patients who undergo LASIK experience almost no pain, though some report mild discomfort (usually an itchy feeling) in the eye for a day or so after the procedure.

PRK is a superb alternative for patients who are unable to receive LASIK (due to thin corneas or large pupils).

Are you a candidate for PRK?

If you believe you may be a good candidate for PRK, please contact our practice to set up a pre-surgery consultation at (920) 327-7070. Also, you can answer a few questions now to determine whether or not you might be a good candidate. In order to know with 100 percent assuredness that you are a candidate for vision correction, you will need to have an examination with your surgeon.