PRK
What is PRK?
PRK is a type of eye surgery that helps correct common vision problems. It is done using a laser to change the shape of the cornea. The cornea is the clear covering at the front of the eye. It helps bend and focus light rays. If the cornea is not the right shape, light won’t focus properly. To correct this problem, tiny layers of the cornea are removed. Once the cornea is reshaped, your vision improves.
The PRK Procedure
PRK may be done in your eye doctor’s office, a surgery center, or a hospital. During the procedure, a computer=guided excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. The laser is very precise. It changes the shape of the cornea by removing tiny amounts of tissue. This is often painless, and takes only a few minutes for each eye. After surgery, you can usually go home within an hour.
What to Consider
PRK is not for everyone. You may not be a good candidate for this procedure if you:
- Do not have stable vision (your vision prescription changes often).
- Have an eye disease or severe vision problem.
- Are pregnant or nursing.
- Have a disease or condition that slows healing or increases risk of infection.
- Take certain medications.
- Are uncomfortable with the idea you may still need glasses or contacts after surgery.
If You’re Over 40
With age, the eye’s lens has a harder time focusing on nearby objects. This means that after PRK, you may still need glasses for some near-vision tasks, such as reading. Another option is monovision. Using PRK, one eye is shaped for near vision and the other for distance vision. Talk with your eye doctor to learn more about these options.