Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
This technique is also called as Flapless Lasik since unlike Flap Lasik, here the reshaping of cornea is directly done on the surface of cornea instead of creating a flap and reshaping the middle layers of Cornea
PRK is the abbreviation for Photorefractive Keratectomy. The procedure was first performed way back in 1987 is one of the most reliable procedures.
Key Difference with other types of Lasik:
In PRK, as mentioned earlier the surface (outermost) layer of cornea is reshaped directly using laser. The outermost layer of cornea is called epithelium and
below epithelium, the corneal tissue is called stroma.
As widely known, PRK takes time to heal and also will have soreness during the recovery period. The reason being, the outermost layer of cornea (epithelium,) is being reshaped using laser ablation which is more sensitive and also heals slowly.
There are 2 phases of healing, one is epithelial healing and the another is stromal healing. Epithelial healing which happens in first 3 days and the soreness disappears. While the second phase of healing i.e., stromal healing the blurriness gradually disappears.
Why PRK?
- This technique is most commonly preferred for candidates with thin cornea as we do not
create a flap to reshape the cornea. - Also, candidates with borderline Keratoconus, this procedure is preferred along with another
corneal stabilizing procedure called C3R. - Most of the times: A good candidate for Lasik is also good candidate for PRK. A not so good
candidate for Lasik is also a good candidate for PRK.
Suitable for
Advantages
Good procedure for candidates who are not so good for Lasik
Good procedure for candidates with borderline Keratoconus
Can correct high degree of powers both spherical (Up to -8. 00 and up to -4.0 cylindrical)
What treatment plans can be used
Duration of the procedure
Recovery
Before Surgery
After Surgery
Post operative medications will be prescribed
Recommended post-surgery visits are generally on day 1: 3 & after a week
Resuming work
FAQs
If I have Dry Eyes, will it affect my PRK surgery
Having mild Dry Eyes will not affect or worsen the situation after PRK but many times the
discomfort which is seen while wearing Contact Lenses is completely goes away. However, before
the surgery while we perform the Dry eye test routinely for every lasik case, if the severity is
moderate to severe dry eyes, we generally treat the condition first and later take up Laser surgery
/ Laisk
Is getting treated dry eyes and waiting for Lasik surgery is only the option if I have severe Dry Eyes
If you are specific about only Lasik, the answer is Yes, or else we can consider ICL (Implantable
Contact or Collamer lens) of RLE (Refractive Lens Exchange) depending on your age and choice for
immediate refractive correction
Is PRK painful procedure
No PRK is a painless procedure as we administer numbing drops during surgery (Anaesthesia),
however post-surgery there will be mild soreness for 2 days in many patients
Am I eligible for PRK if I have thin cornea and am not suitable for Flap Lasik
Yes, most candidates who are not good candidates for Lasik are good candidates for PRK. We can
determine this on primary assessment at the hospital / clinic
Am I suitable for PRK is I have Keratoconus or Corneal Ectasia
Yes, we can perform PRK and treat candidates with Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia either in
combination with C3R of Only as a direct procedure. The results will be stable
Can I get both eyes performed at once for PRK
Yes, we perform PRK at once in both eyes
Experience
Expertise
Excellence
With Over 20 Years of Experience in Lasik and other Refractive Surgeries , GFL offers excellence in Lasik and other Refractive Surgeries for people of any age between 18 years to 80 years
Experience
Expertise
Excellence
With Over 20 Years of Experience in Lasik and other Refractive Surgeries , GFL offers excellence in Lasik and other Refractive Surgeries for people of any age between 18 years to 80 years