PRK eye surgery
(Photorefractive Keratectomy)
What is PRK eye surgery?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser vision correction procedure that delivers the same visual results as LASIK, without creating a corneal flap. It is recommended for patients with thin corneas, active lifestyles, or higher prescriptions.
PRK laser eye surgery can be used to correct:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
Benefits of PRK
- No corneal flap, which reduces risk for active lifestyles and contact sports
- Same proven visual outcome as LASIK
- Suitable for thin corneas and soft corneas not eligible for LASIK
- Advanced Custom option corrects higher prescriptions and larger pupils
PRK procedure options
Standard PRK
This is the standard PRK procedure. The surgeon gently polishes off the surface layer of the cornea and then uses a laser to reshape the cornea in the same way as in the LASIK procedure.
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- After the removal of the surface layer of the cornea, under the Standard PRK procedure, your surgeon will use an advanced excimer laser to reshape the cornea by removing a pre-determined amount of corneal tissue. The amount of tissue to be removed is determined during the pre-operative assessment. These measurements are typically in agreement with the recent prescription for your glasses and/or contact lenses.
- The surgeon will then place contact lenses over the reshaped cornea for protection. These are to be worn until the cornea ‘re-skins’, or grows back a new epithelium—typically from three to five days—after which time they will be removed.
Custom PRK (Advanced Wavefront)
Custom Wavefront PRK is a procedure that enables your surgeon to further customize the standard PRK procedure to your individual eyes.
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If you have a higher prescription, thin corneas or larger-than-average pupils, then Custom Wavefront PRK is probably the procedure that is best suited for your eyes and needs.
Patients who are candidates for Standard PRK are also eligible for this technology.
- More patients are candidates: Custom Wavefront PRK allows for the correction of more patients, including those with higher prescriptions, and even those who may have been deemed non-candidates in the past.
- Better quality of vision: This advanced technology can, in many cases, improve the quality of both day and night vision compared to standard treatments. The laser is capable of treating people with larger pupils and is better for night time vision quality. It also minimizes the risk of night time glare and haloes. Custom Wavefront PRK results in a corneal shape that is closer to the normal curvature of the natural eye, providing better quality for both day and night vision.
- Increased accuracy and safety for better results: Custom Wavefront PRK removes 20%-30% less corneal tissue, which is healthier and safer for the eye. Custom Wavefront PRK is also particularly beneficial for patients with thinner than average corneas, larger pupils and higher prescriptions.
Your surgeon will determine which option best suits your eyes during your consultation.
FAQs
Does PRK hurt?
PRK patients report nothing more than mild discomfort during PRK surgery, as drops are used to numb the eyes. In total, the procedure takes less than 15 minutes per eye. Pain while recovering varies: some experience a mild feeling of discomfort while others say it is moderately uncomfortable in the first three to four days. A small number of patients say the recovery process is very painful. However, there are many post-operative measures in place to help reduce the risk of complications and to ensure that the recovery process is successful. After the surface layer of the cornea is removed, the surgeon will perform one of two PRK techniques: Standard PRK or Advanced Custom Wavefront PRK.
Why do some people need PRK?
PRK may be used if your eye surgeon finds that you have thinner-than-average corneas, and there is not enough corneal thickness for a LASIK flap. Soft corneas have a greater chance of bending out of shape and are also not suitable for the creation of a flap, like in the LASIK procedures. Therefore, PRK is the alternative. Someone may also choose PRK if their profession causes them to be at much greater risk of getting hit in the eye and causing flap movement (e.g. boxers, martial artists, wrestlers, or patients more prone to blows to the face).
What are the results of PRK compared to LASIK?
The visual outcome is the same whether LASIK or PRK vision correction is performed. Both procedures are also equally safe - the main differences are the time it takes to heal and frequency of post-surgery visits.
What is the difference between PRK and LASEK?
Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) is a relatively new procedure. It is a variation of both the PRK and LASIK laser eye surgeries. LASEK is not performed at LASIK MD clinics. Patients who might consider LASEK are generally better served by PRK.
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During the procedure, the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is loosened with an alcohol solution. This surface skin is then pushed aside. The cornea is then reshaped with the laser in the same way as LASIK and PRK vision correction. The outer epithelial layer is then replaced and a contact lens is put overlying it. The contact lens is left in position in the eye until that surface layer reattaches and heals.
Currently, the use of the excimer laser for LASEK is not FDA-approved. Additional studies will be necessary before LASEK is widely accepted as a viable procedure among corneal surgeons.
Drawbacks to LASEK include greater discomfort following the procedure and increased healing time in comparison to LASIK procedure. There is no evidence in the literature or in our experience to suggest that LASEK has any benefit over PRK vision correction.
Due to these complications, LASIK MD laser eye surgeons have decided not to perform this vision correction procedure at their clinics.
What is the difference between PRK and LASIK vision correction?
LASIK eye surgery involves creating a corneal flap and then restoring it after laser treatment. With PRK, there is no flap creation. The surgeon simply removes the outermost skin of the cornea, called the epithelium, and then uses the laser to reshape the cornea in the same way as LASIK. This epithelial layer of skin that is removed takes three to five days to grow back. During this time, eyes are protected with contact lenses. There is a slightly longer healing period with PRK.
PRK | LASIK | |
|---|---|---|
Corneal flap | No flap created | Flap created and restored |
Recovery | 3 to 5 days for epithelium to grow back | Faster visual recovery |
Visual results | Same outcome | Same outcome |
Best suited for | Thin or soft corneas, active lifestyles, higher prescriptions | Standard candidates |
Take the next step toward freedom from glasses and contacts
Have questions about LASIK, RLE, or other vision correction options? Our team is ready to support you every step of the way.
Procedure availability varies by LASIK MD clinic and is subject to factors such as location, medical expertise, and patient eligibility as determined by a physician. Please contact your local clinic to confirm the availability of a specific procedure.