What Is PRK?
- By websitebuilder
- •
- 10 May, 2017
Before the advent of LASIK surgery, patients could undergo photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to correct vision problems. PRK is one of the LASIK alternatives offered at Hummel Eye Associates. If you’re not a suitable candidate for LASIK, PRK may be an effective option to help restore the clear, crisp vision you desire.
PRK uses a computer-controlled surgical laser to alter the shape of the cornea. By reshaping the cornea, PRK is capable of correcting common vision problems such as:
- Farsightedness
- Nearsightedness
- Astigmatism
The PRK procedure only takes about 15 minutes to complete. Our eye surgeons will do the following:
- Apply a local anesthetic to numb the eye prior to the procedure
- Gently remove the cornea’s epithelium (outermost protective layer) with a specialized brush
- Reshape the cornea using the surgical laser to the specifications determined during your initial consultation
- After the procedure is over, place a special contact lens over the site to encourage healing of the epithelium and reduce postoperative discomfort
LASIK surgery, like PRK, also uses a special laser to reshape the cornea. However, instead of removing the epithelium, our ophthalmologists will make an incision into the cornea and create a flap of tissue. The area beneath the flap is the site of the LASIK surgery, where the laser precisely reshapes the cornea to correct irregularities that impaired your vision.
Our eye surgeons often recommend PRK as an alternative for patients who are seeking vision correction but have issues that could diminish the effectiveness of LASIK. PRK might be a superior option if you have:
- Thin corneas
- Large pupils
- Scarring on the cornea
- Chronic dry eyes
PRK might also be better suited for your eyes if you have a physically demanding occupation or regularly engage in contact sports. If you undergo LASIK and subsequently suffer eye trauma that disturbs the corneal flap, you might experience vision distortion. Because the procedure doesn’t penetrate as deeply into the cornea as LASIK does, PRK doesn’t carry this risk.
To learn more about PRK and other LASIK alternatives, please contact Hummel Eye Associates using the form on this page or call 405-755-6111 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma.