Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of laser vision correction. PRK is used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. The goal of photorefractive keratectomy is to correct your refractive error to improve your vision. PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for laser vision correction and is the predecessor to the popular LASIK procedure. Though PRK recovery takes a bit longer than recovery from LASIK eye surgery, PRK is still commonly performed and offers advantages over LASIK for some patients.
Why choose PRK?
If you have dry eyes or thin corneas and want to have refractive surgery, PRK may be a good choice for you. This is because some other types of refractive surgery, such as LASIK, are not recommended if you have these conditions.
Also, if you have a very active lifestyle or job, PRK may be a better option for you than LASIK or similar procedures. This is because PRK does not involve cutting a flap in your cornea like LASIK and similar surgeries do. If you are highly active, you could accidentally dislodge a corneal flap, causing problems. PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of refractive surgery to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.
In PRK, the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed prior to reshaping the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. The epithelium repairs itself (grows back over the corneal surface) within a few days after surgery. PRK has a longer recovery time. There can be mild discomfort, including minor eye irritation and watering, for 1 to 3 days after the procedure. You might be sensitive to light for a while, too.
As with any other surgery, it is imperative that you follow your doctor’s instructions to help ensure optimum results. You will need to attend frequent follow-up appointments with your doctor over the next several weeks to monitor the healing process.
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