Refractive Surgery

PRK

 

PRK

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a laser correction surgery very similar to LASIK that is commonly used for patients with a thin cornea.  While LASIK procedures cut a flap in the cornea, PRK removes the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium), then the same excimer laser used in LASIK sculpts the cornea to correct refractive error.  PRK is considered a safer procedure for patients with thin corneas since more of the cornea is left untouched during the procedure.  In addition, patients experience less dryness following PRK.  However, the patient is left with a corneal abrasion that will take 3-5 days to heal.  During that time the patient will wear a soft contact lens that acts as a bandage to minimize pain, promote healing, and protect the cornea.  PRK patients usually experience mild to moderate discomfort during the healing process.  Blurry vision is common and it may be several weeks before vision is clear and stable.