Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

A kind of laser eye surgery designed to change the shape of the cornea to eliminate (or reduce) the need for glasses and contact lenses. The laser is used to remove the outer layer of the cornea and flatten the cornea. The flattening of the cornea is intended to correct myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism (uneven curvature of the cornea that distorts vision). PRK is an ambulatory procedure done in the office with numbing eye drops. It takes about a minute to do and about 3 days to heal. No eye patch need be worn after PRK.

photorefractive keratectomy, has been performed worldwide to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. PRK involves removing the epithelium, the surface layer of the cornea. Then a computer-controlled excimer laser reshapes the cornea of the affected eye. Anesthetic drops in the eye ensure that the patient experiences as little discomfort as possible.
While the long-term visual results achieved are predictable and stable, patients experience discomfort for 24-48 hours while their epithelium regenerates. Additionally, the initial visual recovery associated with PRK is not a fast as with LASIK, although data demonstrate that visual recovery is the same as with LASIK by approximately 3-6 months. Typically both eyes are not treated at the same time, though they may be. Patients typically wear bandage contact lenses for pain reduction for a few days while the epithelial tissue regenerates and use postoperative eye drops for up to four months. As with any surgery, there are risks involved. The complications associated with PRK are similar to those with LASIK. Patients should discuss that information in detail with their surgeons.