Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is an elective outpatient laser eye surgery for vision correction procedure to improve vision and reduce or eliminate the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. In PRK surgery, the surgeon uses the excimer laser to reshape the curvature of the eye for patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Prior to LASIK, PRK surgery was the most commonly performed laser eye surgery for vision correction. PRK differs from LASIK, in that the surgeon does not create a flap. PRK surgery is best suited for patients with thinner cornea, or with vocational or sports-related limitations where a corneal flap is contraindicated.
PROCEDURE:
Here’s how the PRK surgery procedure works:
The PRK laser vision correction process is completed in approximately five minutes. Upon completion, the surgeon places a clear bandage contact lens on the cornea to protect it and applies eye drops. Since a layer about as slender as a human hair is typically removed, the cornea should maintain its original strength.
Often, both eyes are treated on the same PRK surgery day. However, your surgeon may decide to do only one eye at a time.