PRK Surgery Specialist

What is PRK Surgery?

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a procedure that surgically reshapes your cornea. During PRK, a cold beam laser is used to make your cornea rounder, which in turn allows light to focus properly on your retina.

PRK can correct:

• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism

PRK surgery is often so effective at correcting these problems that you no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses once healing is complete.

Is PRK the Same as LASIK Surgery?

No. While PRK and LASIK surgery both correct vision problems using laser technology, they utilize different techniques.

During LASIK surgery, a small flap is created on your cornea using a laser to expose the corneal tissue underneath and then reshape it. With PRK surgery, the outermost layer of the cornea is completely removed instead of creating a flap before reshaping the corneal tissue.

What are the Advantages of PRK Surgery?

PRK surgery has no risk of corneal flap infections or other complications, as you'll have no corneal flap at all.

Less corneal tissue is removed during PRK surgery than during LASIK surgery. This means a reduced chance your cornea will be too thin in the future.

PRK surgery is appropriate for patients who have a thin cornea or superficial corneal scarring, both of which generally rule out the option of LASIK surgery.

How Does Co-Management of My PRK Surgery Work?

Your optometrist provides all preoperative care, including diagnosis and any necessary pre-surgery treatments. VistaSite Eye Care optometrists work closely with top local refractive eye surgeons and will help you choose the right doctor for your PRK surgery.

After your PRK surgery, your optometrist again handles your care as you adjust to your new vision. You'll typically see your optometrist at VistaSite Eye Care every few months for the first year, and then transition into regular yearly checkups.

What Happens After PRK Surgery?

After your PRK surgery, you'll need to wear a nonprescription contact lens over the cornea that acts as a kind of bandage for the next several days. At a follow-up appointment, your eye doctor removes the contacts. At this point, you'll notice a major difference in your vision, and may have 20/20 vision within just a few days.

To learn more, call or use online booking to schedule an appointment at the nearest VistaSite Eye Care office today.