What’s PRK, and Could it Be Right for You?
Are you interested in getting clearer vision with a laser vision correction procedure? Have you been told you’re not a good candidate for LASIK but still want to achieve visual freedom?
PRK is an alternative procedure that actually predates LASIK as the first-ever laser eye procedure, and it’s still performed to this day. It’s a great choice for patients with thin corneas or dry eye who do not qualify for LASIK.
Keep reading to learn more about PRK and whether it could be right for you.
What is PRK?
PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy. The procedure corrects your vision by changing the shape of your cornea with a specialized laser.
Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea or an eye that is too long or too short. By reshaping the cornea, PRK can correct your refractive errors, giving you clearer vision and reducing your need for glasses or contacts!
PRK Vs. LASIK
LASIK and PRK are both vision correction procedures that reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors. The key difference between the two procedures is how the cornea is accessed.
For PRK, the protective layer surrounding the cornea called the epithelium, is removed before an excimer laser is used on the exposed cornea. With LASIK, a flap is made in the cornea with a femtosecond laser to access the cornea before it is reshaped with an excimer laser.
The technique used for LASIK allows for a shorter and more comfortable healing period. However, the procedure does require you to have corneas that are thick enough to safely accommodate a flap.
If you have thin corneas, PRK is a great alternative option to LASIK, as it’s a tried and true procedure with results that are just as good as those from LASIK! PRK procedures today use all the latest equipment to ensure your procedure is as effective and safe as possible.
Like LASIK patients, the majority of PRK patients end up with 20/20 vision or better!
What is PRK Recovery Like?
Patients who get PRK don’t see the same instant visual improvement that LASIK patients tend to, but the full results of the procedures take about the same amount of time. After you have PRK, your vision will steadily improve as your eyes heal until you reach your peak vision after several months.
As for discomfort after surgery, it’s still minor. Your eyes will be covered by bandage contact lenses to protect them while your epithelium regrows, a process that only takes a couple of weeks.
Most PRK patients can return to normal activities pretty quickly after their procedure, and then you can start enjoying your new, crystal-clear vision. Imagine how much better it will be to travel, spend time with loved ones, and play your favorite sports without worrying about glasses or contacts!
Who is a Good Candidate for PRK?
You may be a good candidate for PRK if you:
- Are 18 or older
- Have had a stable prescription for at least one year
- Are not pregnant or nursing
- Don’t have a history of eye infections
- Have healthy corneas with no severe scarring
- Don’t have diabetes that isn’t under control
- Are in good overall health and don’t have autoimmune conditions like lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis
- Don’t have eye conditions like advanced cataracts or glaucoma
Your eye doctor at Mueller Vision will conduct a consultation with you to determine your candidacy for PRK or other vision correction procedures. They will examine your eyes and ask questions about your health history, vision goals, and lifestyle.
Do you want to learn more about PRK and find out whether it could be right for you? Schedule an appointment at Mueller Vision in Fort Worth, TX, today to get started on your journey toward clearer vision!
