PRK Surgery

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Eye Surgery

Your eyesight is essential to the highest quality of your living. A poor vision can be corrected through PRK (photorefractive Keratectomy) it is an refractive laser eye procedure that can help with nearsightedness astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. Nearly 88% of patients have improvement in their vision within a month of surgery and 95% of patients see improvements after three months.

What is photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) eye procedure?

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is type of laser eye surgery, specifically, it is a form of refractive surgery. A refractive issue is when your eyes can’t bend light correctly, which can prevent you from seeing clearly. There’s a possibility that after the procedure, you won’t require contacts or glasses anymore or just for certain tasks like driving or reading at night.

What is the reason why photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) carried out?

Photorefractive keratectomy can be performed to correct refractive imperfections within your eyes. With the help of a laser, you can alter the cornea’s form this procedure enhances the way light rays are directed towards your retina. It’s possible that you require a PRK if diagnosed with one of the following eye conditions:

Myopia (nearsightedness).
Hyperopia (farsightedness).
Astigmatism (the shape of your eyes) results in blurred vision).

Who is eligible to undergo a photorefractive surgery (PRK)?

You need to satisfy some requirements in order to be eligible for a PRK. Alongside talking to your Ophthalmologist (eye doctor) about the procedure and what you should be able to do, you must:

Keep your corneas healthy.
Have healthy eyes in general.
Have realistic expectations regarding the PRK. Your surgeon will talk with you about what you should expect and not anticipate.
You must be 18 years old or older.
Have the prescription for your eyes that hasn’t changed over the last year.

You’re unlikely to be eligible for a PRK if:

Are suffering from advanced Glaucoma that is more advanced.
Are pregnant.
Are you breastfeeding.
Are you suffering from cataracts.
Eye infections, dry eye syndrome, or Blepharitis.
Are you suffering from eye scars.
Have a refractive error that is constantly changing.
Are you suffering from cornea damage or ailment.
Are suffering from a condition that hinders healing, such as an allergy or diabetes that is not controlled.

Is a photorefractive-keratectomy (PRK) an outpatient or an inpatient surgery?

The photorefractive keratectomy procedure will take place in an outpatient eye surgery facility.

What kind of healthcare professional is performing a photorefractive surgery (PRK)?

You could work with the entire team to perform your photorefractive surgery:
Ophthalmologists (who are experts in the study and treatment of eye conditions).
Ophthalmic surgeons.
Nurses.
Optometrists (healthcare specialists who are specialized in eye care all over the world).
Technicians.

What is the difference between PRK and LASIK?

LASIK (situ Keratomileusis) is also a kind that is a laser surgery which works on the cornea. In contrast to LASIK the procedure does not require cutting a flap on the cornea. It is recommended to get a PRK procedure if you suffer from dry eyes, corneas that are thin or have a busy life style. The corneal flap may be moved away from the activity.

All laser vision correction procedures involve reshaping cornea, or the part of your eye’s front to ensure that light passing through it is correctly focused to the retina that is located behind your eye. When you undergo PRK the eye surgeon utilizes the laser to alter the shape of the cornea. The laser, which produces the pulsing beam of UV light, is placed on the cornea’s surface instead of under the corneal flap like in LASIK.

LASIK is a procedure that has a shorter recovery time and less discomfort following the procedure. If you’re a patient of a PRK you’re more prone to suffer from vision problems for a short duration. In general, the quality of vision that you get from a PRK procedure is just as good as LASIK.

You may choose to have the PRK method over LASIK due to these reasons

The procedure LASIK is newer as compared to PRK. Your eye doctor might be more familiar with the photorefractive keratectomy. Discuss with an eye specialist about your expertise.

LASIK is a chance of the flap becoming dislocated or moved. Since it is a PRK does not have an flap that can be moved through physical exertion, it could be favored by pilots, athletes as well as anyone who performs lots of physical exercise.

How can I prepare for photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) procedure?

Before you undergo your PRK procedure, you’ll visit a doctor who will explain what to expect prior to and following your procedure. In this appointment the medical history of you will be assessed and your eyes examined to assess the following:

Your pupil size.
Refraction error.
Your cornea.
Your general health and wellbeing for your eyes.

The eye surgeon will be able to answer any additional questions you have. Then, you can make an appointment to undergo an appointment for the PRK procedure.

If you wear gas permeable lenses, you must stop wearing them for at minimum three weeks prior to the time of your examination. Other types of contact lens are not recommended for wear for a minimum of three days prior to your evaluation. Make sure you bring your current lenses so that you can have your prescription reviewed.

When you are scheduled for your procedure you should eat a light lunch prior to your appointment and take your prescribed medications. Do not wear eye makeup or any large accessories on your hair that could hinder your ability to position your head in the laser. If you’re feeling unwell this morning, contact the office of your eye doctor for a determination of whether the treatment has to be delayed.

What do I need to do to prepare for the photorefractive surgery (PRK)?

It’s not required to bring anything else to your appointment, but it is possible to wear contacts instead of glasses for convenience.

What is the process that takes place during the photorefractive (PRK) process?

Your PRK will take place through six stages:

The surgeon will numb your eyes with eye drops.
They’ll insert a holder into your eye to prevent your blinking.
The epithelium, the outermost layer of your cornea is removed using a toothbrush or blade, laser, or alcohol solution.
The doctor will then employ the laser to shape the cornea.
The surgeon will then give you an anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drops for your eyes steroids and antibiotic drops.
Contact lenses that are clear are typically placed at the conclusion of the procedure to minimize discomfort during healing. It acts as the bandage.

Frequently Asked Questions About PRK Surgery

How long will the photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) procedure take?

The PRK procedure is only 10 – 15 minutes.

Do I have to be awake through the entire procedure?

You’ll be awake throughout your PRK procedure. Your surgeon will administer drops to make your eyes numb.

What time will I be able to go home following my PRK procedure?

You’ll be able go straight home after the PRK. However, you’ll need someone else drive you.

What can I expect following the photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) process?

Following the PRK After the PRK, you must:
Relax and take a break.
Limit physical activity the duration of time your doctor advises.
Take a few days from work if needed.
There may be some eye discomfort for a few days, so you should take an over-the counter pain reliever or ask for an appointment for eye drop pain relief. There may be a need for other medicines. Wear sunglasses when you go out (for as long as advised) to avoid scarring your corneas.

The vision should improve after three or five days, however, in the meantime your vision may appear blurry. It could take up to at least a month before you notice significant improvements in your vision.

What are the benefits of a photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?

Consult your health care provider about the benefits and risks of PRK (photorefractive eye procedure) prior to your procedure. The advantages include:

PRK can effectively correct nearsightedness with precision. Around 90 percent of PRK patients can see 20/20 without contact lenses or glasses one year after procedure. More than 95% of patients achieve 20/20 or greater (without contacts or glasses).
PRK might be a better option than LASIK for certain patients with thin corneas or corneal surface irregularities since PRK is less disruptive to corneal tissue than LASIK procedure.
PRK is more technically simple than LASIK and employs the same advanced lasers and treatment techniques. Because of this, certain refractive surgeons prefer PRK over LASIK.

What are the cons of the procedure, as well as possible risks and side consequences of the photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) process?

Every surgery has risk A photorefractive Keratectomy is not any different. After the procedure, you might be:

The cornea is swollen and has a few scratches.
Corneal haze is a cloudiness that appears on your cornea.
An infection.
Glare and halo appear when you’re near the lights, particularly at night.
Eye irritation, pain or the appearance of water.
It is a sensitive response to light.
Hazy vision. Mitomycin C can be used in procedures to reduce the chance of blurred vision after the procedure.
Regression is when the treatment will become less effective.
Delay in healing.
Very often, patients have experienced poorer vision, or even complete blindness.

The result isn’t entirely certain due to the variability in the healing of each wound, and a tiny percentage of patients might still require glasses or other procedures to attain their ideal vision.

What is an outlook (outlook) for those with a photorefractive surgery (PRK)?

The prognosis is highly positive following PRK. In general, vision is around 80% better in the first month following surgery, and around 95% after three months following surgery.

Is photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) painful?

No. The eyes will be numb to make sure there is no sensation. Following the procedure, you might be a bit uncomfortable for some time.

What should I eat and drink following the photorefractive surgery (PRK)?

There aren’t any restrictions on what you are allowed to consume or drink following the photorefractive Keratectomy.

Do I need to attend any follow-up appointments post photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?

The contact lens bandage is typically used for the first few days in order to allow the surface of the cornea to recover. It is recommended that you visit your ophthalmologist at least two times in the first three months following surgery with your first appointment occurring about one to three days following surgery. After the cornea’s surface has healed, your lenses are taken off.

Do I need to wear glasses for reading to correct presbyopia after having photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?

Presbyopia (loss in concentration on nearby objects) is a common problem for patients over 40. It can be treated using reading glasses or a combination procedure for laser refractive surgery referred to as monovision. Monovision can be tested prior to surgery with trial contacts or glasses. Monovision is when the eye that is not dominant is corrected to reading distances or computer screens (slightly closesighted) as well as the dominant one is adjusted to distance.

Presbyopia can’t be completely corrected by monovision-based PRK, however your dependency on glasses may be decreased through the integration of monovision into your treatment program. A trial in the office of monovision during your screening exam could aid in assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the monovision method.

When do I get back to school/work?

Some individuals choose to take only a few days off of work/school and others can take a full week. Make sure you don’t return until confident in your vision.