PRK


PRK - Photorefractive Keratectomy

Refractive Error Correction

  • Myopia - Nearsightedness or short sightedness.  This is corrected by flattening the front surface of the eye using a laser.
  • Hyperopia - Long sightedness or farsightedness.  This is corrected by making the central cornea steeper.  This is accomplished by directing the laser beam to remove tissue from around this area.
  • Astigmatism - This is corrected by using a laser to reshape the steepest part of the cornea to make it more spherical.

PRK was the first method of laser eye surgery, used to correct vision.  According to the British Royal College of Ophthalmologists (2006), it is mainly used for low refractive errors and is most suitable when the corneal tissue is thin. 

Within the Laser Eye Surgery Guide, you can find out about the benefits of PRK, together with side effects and risks of treatment.  There are also many featured articles, containing the latest information about laser eye surgery.

Visit the Find page, to find a laser eye surgery clinic near you, and find out if they offer PRK laser eye surgery and if you are suitable for this procedure.

PRK Procedure

PRK is an outpatient procedure and overnight stay at the clinic is not required.  You will remain awake throughout the procedure as only a local anaesthetic is used, thus you will remain fully conscious and be able to see out of the treated eye(s), although vision may be blurred.  A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area and this usually stings for a few seconds.  The eye area is then cleansed with an antibacterial wash. An eyelid holder is placed on the eye to keep it open and then depending on the surgeon’s preference, a suction ring may be placed to keep the eye still.  There are various other techniques to keep the eye still and you will most likely be asked to stare at a light. 

A cool computer controlled ultraviolet light is then used to remove the surface layer of the cornea.  This, the eye’s protective first layer of cells known as the epithelium, can not only be removed with the laser but some surgeons use a sponge or a mechanical blade.  Whichever method is used, the process is not painful. 

Microscopic amounts of tissue are then removed from the cornea surface using the excimer laser.  This improves the curvature of the cornea and focusing ability.  A clicking noise and a smell similar to the burning of hair can be noticed when the laser is at work. 

The result of PRK surgery is improved vision by improving the focusing of light into the eye and onto the retina.  The wavelength of the laser is extremely precise and will not penetrate or damage the inside of the eye. 

Following surgery, a thin contact lens may be placed over the eye to protect it.  The eye may also be bandaged.  You will be discharged shortly after PRK procedure but care must be taken.  Visit the Aftercare & Advice page, to read about aftercare following laser eye surgery.

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