PRK
WHAT IS PRK?
During PRK, a high-precision excimer laser is used to treat the surface of the eye.
PRK AT A GLANCE

STEP 1:
NUMBING THE EYE
To reduce pain during the surgery, anesthesia drops are used to numb the eye. An eyelid holder is used to prevent the eye from blinking during surgery.

STEP 2:
REMOVING THE EPITHELIUM
The epithelium is removed with a special instrument. In PRK, this layer will be completely removed. In LASIK, this layer is moved to the side and replaced after surgery.

STEP 3:
RESHAPING THE CORNEA
An excimer laser will sculpt the corneal tissue based on the eye structure. The new shape of the cornea will correct how light travels through the cornea to enable sharp vision.

STEP 4:
BANDAGE CONTACT LENS
A few drops of a soothing and rinsing fluid are put on top of the cornea after the laser intervention. After the surgery, the doctor will insert a bandage contact lens to support healing and comfort.
HEAR DR. PORTER TALK ABOUT PRK
PRK FAQ
Am I a candidate for PRK?
Our doctors will determine if you qualify for PRK during our free vision correction evaluation. As technology continues to advance, more patients qualify for vision correction surgery now than ever before. This includes many people who may have been told that they are not candidates in the past. If you don’t qualify for PRK, there is a good chance you may qualify for a different vision correction procedure at Porter Ophthalmology including ICL or LR.
Is PRK the right procedure for me?
The good news: Porter Ophthalmology offers its patients all five of the latest vision correction procedures – LASIK, SMILE, PRK, ICL and LR. This means more patients qualify than ever before and our doctors can recommend the absolute best procedure for you.
How fast is the recovery from PRK?
Vision is also slower to recover following PRK. After about 5-7 days most patients’ vision has improved enough to allow them to drive and complete their everyday activities. However, it can take 4-6 weeks for the vision to fully sharpen up. We typically recommend that patient’s plan to be out of work for 5-7 days following PRK and advise them that they will have to really just take it easy for the first couple days. Despite the longer recovery time, PRK has the same excellent long term visual outcomes as LASIK making it a great option for patients that don’t qualify for LASIK.
Is PRK safe? Are there any risks or side effects of PRK?
It has also been shown that LASIK/PRK are generally safer than wearing contact lenses over the long term, in addition to being less expensive. Some of the more common side effects after PRK include dry eyes or seeing glare and halos at night. Fortunately, these side effects are usually temporary and improve weeks to months after treatment. Serious complications of PRK are extremely rare.
Is the PRK procedure painful?
Do I have to hold my eyes open during the procedure? What happens if I move my eye?
What happens if I move my eye?
Is PRK a permanent treatment?
However, we know that natural changes will begin to affect the focusing ability of the lens inside your eye starting in your mid-40s. This leads to presbyopia or the need for reading glasses to see things up close. This is a normal and expected change with time that is unrelated to having LASIK/PRK. The good news is that if you don’t like using reading glasses, Porter Ophthalmology has additional solutions to make you less dependent on them.
Is PRK covered by insurance?
Download our FREE Laser Vision Correction Patient Guide
If you think you’re ready to open your eyes to a clear world every morning, without contacts, glasses, or squinting…
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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