PRK
PRK at Campbell Cunningham Laser Center
For people who might not be candidates for LASIK, there is another revolutionary laser procedure available that may offer equally great visual improvement. Photorefractive keratectomy (more commonly referred to as PRK) may be the better option for people with dry eyes or thin corneas, as LASIK is generally not recommended for these conditions.
Am I a PRK candidate?
If you have dry eyes or thin corneas and wish to have refractive surgery, PRK may be a good option for you. PRK may also be a better option than LASIK if you have a very active lifestyle because the procedure does not involve cutting a flap in your cornea as is done with LASIK.
If we determine you are a good candidate for PRK, we will schedule a preoperative exam to help determine the exact treatment plan that will be best for you. Then, it’ll be time to schedule your PRK procedure! Call us at (865) 588-3937 or click the button below to get started.
The Difference Between LASIK & PRK
Both PRK and LASIK procedures use an excimer laser to sculpt the stromal layer of the cornea. The main difference is that no corneal flap is created in PRK as it is with LASIK. Instead, the outer layer of the cornea is treated, changing the shape of the cornea to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Both procedures can provide amazing vision benefits, but some people may be better candidates for one or the other depending on their individual situation.
PRK FAQs
What is PRK?
PRK is a laser refractive surgery to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. Like LASIK and other laser procedures, PRK works by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser, allowing light entering the eye to be more properly focused on the retina for clearer vision. PRK is designed to help reduce your dependency on eyeglasses or contact lenses and may even allow you to do without them completely in some cases.
What are examples of things that would disqualify me for PRK?
Those who may not be good candidates for PRK include people with the following:
- A changing or unstable refractive error
- Corneal scarring
- Corneal disease
- Advanced Glaucoma
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- A history of certain eye infections
How is PRK performed?
PRK is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Your eye will be numbed with drops prior to the procedure, and your Ophthalmologist will place an eyelid speculum on your eye to halt any blinking. Then they will carefully reshape the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) using a laser. You will then be asked to stare at a target light to steady your eyes while the Ophthalmologist reshapes your cornea using a laser that has been programmed with specific measurements for your eye. You’ll likely feel mild pressure during the procedure, but this is generally tolerated well by most patients.
What is the recovery from PRK like?
Immediately following the surgery, your PRK surgeon will place a special contact lens over your eye that acts as a bandage to help the cornea heal. You will need to have someone drive you home after your procedure. Your surgeon may suggest you take a few days off from work and avoid any strenuous activity for up to a week. You may experience some eye pain for two to three days after surgery, but over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate this. Your doctor will discuss with you if eye drop pain relievers or other prescription medications may be needed. You’ll need to wear sunglasses when outside for a time after surgery to prevent any sun exposure. By comparison, recovery from PRK can take a little longer than with LASIK.
What results can I expect from PRK surgery?
Your vision will likely be blurry immediately after PRK is performed but should gradually improve over the next three to five days as you heal. For some patients, it may take up to a month or longer before optimal results are achieved. Approximately 90% of PRK patients experience 20/40 vision or better without glasses or contacts. It’s important to note that PRK does not correct presbyopia, which is the natural age-related loss of near vision. If that is your concern, your doctor will discuss other options with you at your appointment.