PRK

Photorefractive keratectomy

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 Expect

• You may be given medication to relax you. Eyedrops are then used to numb your eye.
• A small support is used to gently hold your eyelids open. In some cases, the epithelium may then be softened with a liquid solution.
• The central part of the epithelium is removed. You may feel pressure, but should not have pain.
• The laser is positioned over the eye. You'll be asked to stare at a light.
• You'll hear a clicking sound when the laser is turned on. This may last from 10 to 90 seconds. A slight burning smell is normal.
• A soft "bandage" contact lens may be placed on the eye. This helps protect the cornea.

Risks and Complications

PRK is a safe procedure. But it does have some risks:

Dry eyes "Halos" or "starbursts" in your vision Infection Eye inflammation

Blurry vision Epithelium complications Decreased vision Need for follow-up surgery

Your Recovery

For the first few days your eye may water, burn, itch, or feel "scratchy." You will also likely have some pain. To help you feel better, your doctor will prescribe pain medications. Your vision may also seem worse for a time. This should improve within 5 to 10 days and become stable within 6 months. To promote healing:

• Protect your eye from injury. Don't scratch, rub, or touch your eye. You may be given an eye shield to wear for a few days.
• Use eyedrops as directed. These will be prescribed by your doctor and are very important for healing.
• Take any medications, including pain medication, exactly as prescribed.
• Wear sunglasses when outdoors and restrict your use of makeup as advised.
• Follow your doctor's advice about driving, swimming, and other activities.
• See your doctor for follow-up visits. These help ensure you're healing well.

When to call your Doctor

During your recovery, call your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Increasing pain after surgery
• Worsening vision
• Increased redness or irritation
• Thick or cloudy discharge from the eye (watery eyes are normal)

What to Consider

To find out if PRK is right for you, your eye doctor will first evaluate you. This includes asking about your health, vision problems, and any medications you take. You'll also have vision testsand an eye exam. During the exam, the shape and thickness of your cornea is studied. This is done because PRK is often a good choice for people with thincorneas. The exam also helps your eye doctor create a computer-based map of your eye. The map is used to guide the laser during surgery.

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.