PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a laser eye surgery that doctors perform to correct various vision problems. Patients can undergo eye surgeries, such as PRK and LASIK, as well as non-laser procedures, including clear lens exchange and implantable contact lenses, for various eye issues. They often recommend PRK for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Here’s more information about who should get PRK surgery:
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet specific criteria to qualify for laser eye surgery. The procedure is suitable for adults who already have stable vision. Children’s vision changes as they develop, so reshaping the cornea at this time isn’t recommended. PRK is also designed for patients with a stable prescription that hasn’t changed significantly in the past year. If your contact lens prescription changes frequently, you don’t have stable vision.
PRK corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, so you must have one of these refractive errors to qualify for the laser surgery. Other criteria include having a healthy cornea and good overall eye health. Tell your doctor about pre-existing conditions to determine how they impact your candidacy and recovery. PRK is not suitable for mothers who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Corneal Thickness
Like LASIK, PRK involves using a laser to reshape your cornea but doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap. The eye surgeon gently removes the outer layer of your cornea, also known as the epithelium. This layer grows back naturally a few days after surgery. Once the epithelium is removed, your doctor uses a laser to adjust your eye’s focus. A soft contact lens is placed on the cornea as a bandage that protects your eye while it heals. Since PRK doesn’t require creating a corneal flap like LASIK, doctors recommend it for patients with thin corneas.
Lifestyle Activities
Your lifestyle determines whether you should choose PRK or LASIK eye surgeries. If you’re an athlete or in the military, your line of work may result in impacts that can dislodge the LASIK corneal flap. The same concern applies to anyone in a physically demanding job that increases the risk of facial or eye injuries. PRK doesn’t involve removing corneal flaps, making it a long-term solution for active lifestyles. The surgery takes a few minutes to complete, and the recovery time ranges from days to weeks, during which your vision may remain blurry. Following the downtime, you can expect permanent vision improvement with minimal post-operative care and precautions.
General Health
Certain eye conditions and health issues make you unsuitable for PRK, LASIK, and other laser eye surgeries. Examples include infections, scars, and diseases like severe glaucoma and keratoconus. Your eye doctor can perform a thorough evaluation and treat underlying issues before continuing with laser surgery. Autoimmune diseases and uncontrolled diabetes may interfere with healing. Medications like steroids also affect laser surgery recovery. Speak to your doctor about any underlying medical conditions and the medications you use to avoid complications.
Alternative Surgery
You can evaluate PRK as an alternative to LASIK laser surgery. LASIK vision correction treats the same issues as PRK but involves creating a corneal flap using a precision computer-guided laser. The flap is removed to access and reshape the cornea, and then it is placed back in its original position. LASIK is one of the most effective laser vision correction surgeries, but not everyone qualifies. If you’re not a good candidate for the procedure, evaluate the benefits of PRK.
Get Laser Eye Surgery Today
PRK is a suitable treatment option for various eye conditions. The procedure helps to preserve corneal nerves, protecting tear production. You can also maintain an active lifestyle without worrying about interfering with corneal flap healing. Contact a doctor today to find out more about PRK or LASIK laser eye surgery.