PRK

PRK - Photorefractive Keratectomy

Our Marietta Eye Clinic Georgia Eye Doctors Provide Multiple Laser Vision Correction Options!

Our patients can rest assured that they are getting the best care possible. With ophthalmologists that are comprehensive in nature our patients get a clear and unbiased view of the best possible treatment options for vision correction. Although LASIK is a highly successful vision correction procedure it may not be the best option for all vision correction candidates. This is precisely why we offer another laser vision correction procedure called PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy also known as Advanced Surface Ablation. PRK is similar to LASIK although NO flap is required with this eye surgery procedure. If you are seeking the best possible outcome for your vision it is best to consult a complete ophthalmologist and not just a LASIK eye surgery chain. Although LASIK eye surgery is a great procedure and has helped millions of people see without glasses and contact lenses it might not be the best vision correction option. After a thorough pre-operative evaluation our Georgia eye doctors and the staff at can begin to understand your best options.

PRK is very similar to LASIK and both of these eye surgery techniques are referred to as refractive surgery. PRK was the first laser refractive surgery approved by the FDA receiving final approval in 1995. PRK is a safe refractive procedure that utilizes the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism much like LASIK eye surgery. The amount of tissue reshaped depends on the severity of the prescription. In most cases, 5 to 10 percent of the cornea is removed. Once the cornea has flattened, light rays are more easily focused upon the retina. PRK differs from LASIK in that no flap of tissue is created prior to resculpting the cornea with the excimer laser. In LASIK this flap creation does enable a faster recovery period.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

The procedure can be performed once the eye has been numbed with anesthetic drops. A speculum will be positioned to hold your eyelids back just like in LASIK so that your eyelids will not interrupt the actual surgery. The ophthalmologist will then remove the outer cornea cells and proceed with the actual laser treatment. The laser is then positioned to directly treat the cornea. This laser delivery takes less than one minute to complete for most patients. Once the laser treatment or refractive ablation is completed, the corneal curvature is reshaped, thus improving the refractive error. Your ophthalmologist will then place a bandage contact lens on the eye for improved comfort along with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops.

PRK is a safe, effective alternative to LASIK for many potential refractive surgery patients. PRK results are very similar to LASIK results. In general, PRK patients will have a somewhat slower recovery period. Please feel free to consult one of our staff to better understand the advantages of PRK and whether or not this would be a good option for your vision.

Post-operatively, most patients will need to be re-evaluated one day, one week, one month, two to three months, and four to six months following the PRK procedure. The bandage contact lens can usually be removed on the second or third post-operative day when the epithelium is healed. Most patients will only require eye drops to control healing during the first 6 to 12 weeks. In general, the greater the refractive error, the more likely the patient is to require eye drop medications for a prolonged period following the procedure.