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Surface Ablation-PRK- A LASIK Alternative
Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, was developed in the early 1980s. In 1995 the FDA approved PRK for the correction of myopia, but the procedure had been preformed in other countries for years. It is still commonly performed on patients who, for a number of reasons, do not qualify for traditional LASIK.
PRK is performed with a laser, which uses a low energy ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove very tiny bits of tissue from the surface of the cornea in order to reshape it. This allows the cornea to precisely focus light into the eye and onto the retina, providing clear vision.
PRK differs from Lasik in that optical correction is accomplished with the application of the laser to the surface of the cornea. Whereas in LASIK the tissue beneath a flap, is removed.
LASIK patients have less discomfort and recover good vision more quickly whereas with PRK improvement is gradual and over a few days or even months. Many surgeons prefer PRK for patients with larger pupils or thin corneas.
The side effects and complications are less common with PRK compared to LASIK. However, PRK requires a longer recovery time than LASIK, as well as additional post-operative visits.
If you are a good candidate for PRK, additional medications and a thin, soft bandage contact lens are used to ensure you are comfortable in the days following your treatment.
