Not everyone is a good candidate for LASIK, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. PRK is a great alternative to LASIK and provides the same crystal-clear results. Let’s take a look at what exactly PRK is and how it can improve your vision.
What is PRK?
PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy and is an outpatient laser eye procedure or refractive surgery often used as an alternative to LASIK surgery. During the procedure, the first layer of the corneal tissue (the corneal epithelium) is removed so the layer underneath can be reshaped using an excimer laser. The corneal layer will then grow back within a week. This procedure corrects your vision so you no longer need glasses or contact lenses and allows your eyes to more effectively focus light.
Who is a Good Candidate for PRK?
A good candidate for PRK is someone who is not a good fit for LASIK. Patients who have thin corneas that don’t respond well to LASIK are generally those who receive this laser eye surgery the most. Additionally, to qualify for PRK surgery, you should also:
- Be 18 years or older.
- Have healthy corneas.
- Have no changes to your glasses or contact prescription for the past year.
- Have mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
- Not be pregnant or nursing.
Those with active lifestyles are also good candidates as they might have flap complications with LASIK. If you’re struggling with dry eyes, you’re also likely a better candidate for PRK than LASIK.
To determine whether PRK is right for you, your eye doctor will examine your eyes, measure your refractive errors, and discuss your goals.
Benefits of PRK
Some of the benefits you can expect from PRK surgery include:
- Permanent results
- High success rate
- Reduced dependence on glasses and contacts
- Less of a trigger for dry eye syndrome
- Less risk for corneal flap complications
- Works on thin corneas
- Safer for patients with a very active lifestyle
- Improved vision
- Highly accurate procedure
PRK Procedure
The PRK cornea procedure will begin with your eyes being numbed so you’re completely comfortable. Next, your eye surgeon will put a holder in your eye to stop you from blinking. They’ll then use a laser to remove the outer layer of the cornea and reshape your cornea. Antiinflammatory and antibiotic eye drops will be applied, and a clear bandage contact lens will be placed to reduce irritation. In total, the procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.
Recovery and Results
After laser surgery, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home, and you should plan on resting for the first few days. Your vision may be blurry for 3-5 days, but this will improve as the outer layer of your cornea regenerates. If you feel any discomfort as you heal, your doctor can prescribe eye drop pain relievers. You’ll also schedule a follow-up appointment so your surgeon can check on your healing process.
Schedule A Consultation
Are you ready to finally have clearer vision? If you’re not a candidate for LASIK but you’re tired of dealing with glasses and contact lenses, PRK surgery may be the perfect option for you. At Boston Lasik, we can help finally get rid of your glasses and contacts. Schedule a consultation today by calling one of our Massachusetts locations or using our online contact form.
