PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

$PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)$

PRK is a laser eye surgery for vision correction. PRK works by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser, allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clear vision without glasses and contact lenses.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) - Overview

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), is a kind of laser refractive surgery used to correct myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), and astigmatism.

It is a laser eye surgery for vision correction. PRK works by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser, allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clear vision without glasses and contact lenses.

In this procedure, the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed and discarded before reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. The cornea repairs itself within a few days after the surgery.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) - Symptoms

This procedure is done when the patient suffers from refractive errors, such as:

Near-sightedness (myopia)
Far-sightedness (hyperopia)
Astigmatism (error in the shape of the cornea)

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) - Pre-Procedure

The patient needs to undergo some eye exams before the procedure, like:
The size of the patient’s eye needs to be measured, along with refractive error and pupil in the eye.
The moistness of the eye, to evaluate the development of dry eye after the procedure.
Measurement of corneal curvature.
The thickness of the patient’s cornea.
Assessment of general health will be done, to know the patient is on any medication or not or suffering from any other disease.
If a patient wears glasses or contact lens, then he/she have to stop wearing them at least three weeks before tests and procedure.
The patient may need to start antibiotic eye drops, such as Zymaxid, two to four days before surgery.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) - During Procedure

This is a daycare procedure, a doctor may give a mild oral sedative to help the patient in relaxing.
This procedure takes five to ten minutes per eye.
With the help of an alcohol solution (betadine), a buffing device, or a blunt surgical instrument (lid speculum), the central area of corneal epithelium will be removed.
An excimer laser will be used to precisely reshape the curvature of the cornea. By using highly specialized lasers, pulses of cool ultraviolet light will remove the microscopic amounts of tissue in a precise pattern.
A soft contact lens will be placed on the cornea to protect the eye while new epithelial cells will grow on the corneal surface.
The contact lens will be removed after 4-5 days of the surgery.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) - Post-Procedure

Some topical antibiotics as well as anti-inflammatory and pain medications will be prescribed to reduce pain, minimize any swelling, and expedite healing.
Frequent follow-ups will be required for the next several weeks after the procedure, to monitor the healing process.
It may take a couple of weeks and even longer to fully stabilize the vision.
It may take up to three months for a complete and stable vision after the procedure.
Avoid driving for at least 2-3 weeks after the surgery.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) - Risk & Complications

Infection
Glare or halos, more noticeable while viewing light at night, such as while driving.
Loss of vision that can’t be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Double vision
Severe or permanent dry eye
Diminished results over time, especially in older and farsighted people.