Have realistic expectations about PRK.
Who Is an Eligible Candidate for PRK Eye Surgery?
To qualify for PRK eye surgery, you need to:
What Is PRK Eye Surgery?
PRK is a type of laser refractive surgery to correct your eyesight. If you have a refractive problem with your vision, your eyes don’t bend light properly, which can prevent you from seeing your best. Photoreactive keratectomy is performed on patients to correct refractive errors in the eyes. The procedure involves the use of a laser to change the cornea’s shape and improve how light rays are focused. If you have one of the following eye conditions, you may benefit from PRK eye surgery:
- Astigmatism. A condition that causes blurry vision due to the shape of your eye.
- Hyperopia. Farsightedness, with close-up objects appearing blurry.
- Myopia. Nearsightedness, objects at a distance are blurry.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for PRK Eye Surgery?
Just like there are good candidates for PRK surgery, there are also individuals who would not make good candidates for the procedure. This includes those who:
- Have advanced glaucoma.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have cataracts.
- Have dry eye syndrome.
- Have an eye infection.
- Have cornea disease or injuries.
- Have a disease that can affect the healing process.
- Have uncontrolled diabetes.
Benefits of PRK Surgery
Your eye care provider at Northeastern Eye Institute will be able to describe the many benefits of PRK surgery to you in greater depth at a consultation. These benefits include the following:
- You may not need to wear your corrective glasses or contact lenses after PRK surgery, at least not for reading, driving, or other activities where you may have needed to before.
- Approximately 90% of patients who undergo PRK eye surgery for nearsightedness have 20/20 vision without contact lenses or glasses one year after surgery.
- PRK may be a better option than LASIK for patients with corneal surface irregularity, as less corneal tissue is disrupted.
- PRK is a simpler procedure than LASIK and uses the same advanced laser treatment systems.
Risks of PRK Surgery
All surgeries include risks, but with PRK, those risks are relatively low and may include:
- Eye pain or irritation.
- Light sensitivity.
- Hazy vision.
- Infection.
You’ll have the chance to talk to your provider about potential side effects during your consultation.
How To Prepare for PRK Eye Surgery
During your consultation with an eye healthcare provider, you will be able to discuss what to expect and how to best prepare for PRK eye surgery. They will also review your medical history and test your eyes to measure your cornea, pupil size, the refractive error, and your general eye health.
You’ll also be advised when to stop wearing your current contact lenses before your procedure, which can vary from three days to three weeks, depending on what type of contact lenses you wear. You should also bring your current glasses with you to your appointment.
On the day of your surgery, eat a light meal before coming in and take all your prescribed medication as usual. Don’t wear any bulky hair accessories or jewelry or any eye makeup to your PRK procedure.
What Happens During PRK Eye Surgery?
It’s very important that you know exactly what is involved in PRK eye surgery. This is a relatively quick procedure that can take about 10 to 15 minutes. The doctor will use anesthetic drops to numb your eye, and you’ll be awake throughout the procedure. You can go home as soon as the PRK eye surgery is finished, but you’ll need someone to drive. Recovery is pretty quick, though you shouldn’t return to work until you’re comfortable with your new vision. You should also take some time to rest and avoid physical activity for a few days.
The Differences Between PRK and LASIK
LASIK and PRK are both laser eye surgery techniques for improving eyesight. They both treat the same vision problems and are beneficial in reducing the need for contact lenses or glasses. The main difference between PRK and LASIK surgery is that LASIK requires the surgeon to create a small flap on the cornea to access the underlying tissue, while PRK requires the surgeon to remove the cornea’s surface cells.
Schedule a Consultation at Northeastern Eye Institute Today
Northeastern Eye Institute is the leading vision correction service provider in the area. We welcome you to visit one of our providers for a consultation to see if PRK is an option for you, and we look forward to giving you back the vision you deserve. We have 15 locations across the Northeast Pennsylvania area, so we’re sure you’ll be able to find an eye clinic located conveniently close to you that has a team of eye experts ready to help. Call us at 570-342-3145 to get started today.
Results of PRK Surgery
As with any procedure, results can vary from person to person. Most individuals who undergo PRK surgery can achieve 20/20 vision, if not better. Though some people may still need to use contact lenses or glasses after their procedure, the prescription will be much lower than before the PRK surgery.