PRK Eye Surgery

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) treats the same conditions as iLasik™, but is recommended in situations including when a patient's corneas are abnormally shaped; have a fragile surface; are considered too thin for safe iLasik™, or according to patient preference.

Some of the conditions that can be treated with PRK include:

 

Overview

While there are several minor variations of this treatment, known as LASEK, ASA and epi-LASIK, in essence they all involve the gentle removal of the superficial cells of the stroma (the top layer of the cornea) before the VISX Star S4 IR™ Excimer Laser is applied.

Visual results from these procedures are comparable to iLASIK™.

While this technique may be considered a gentler alternative to iLASIK™ (no need to create a corneal flap), vision can take longer to return to optimal standards and there can be a slightly greater degree of discomfort in the days following the procedure when compared to iLASIK™.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

The main point of difference between PRK and other laser vision correction procedures is the lack of incisions made to the cornea - consequently there is no need for a blade in this procedure.

During your consultation, a detailed map of your eyes' surface is created using the WaveScan WaveFront™ System to prepare your treatment.

On the day of your procedure, Dr Con Moshegov will prepare the eye by gently removing the epithelium (the top, protective layers of the cornea) to reveal the next layer of corneal tissue known as Bowman's layer. Once prepared, the VISX Star S4 IR™ Excimer Laser will be employed to precisely and delicately reshape the curvature of the eye. Deeper cell layers remain virtually untouched, and a layer about as slender as a human hair is typically removed, the cornea maintains its original strength.

The entire PRK procedure is usually completed in less than five minutes per eye.

After your procedure, you will be placed on antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops to promote comfort and reduce swelling. You will also be fitted with a bandage contact lens to improve comfort while the eye is healing. Once the epithelium is healed, usually on the fourth or fifth day post-operatively, the bandage contact lens is removed during your check-up at one of our clinics.

To complete the healing process, you will need to use steroid anti-inflammatory drops for around a month, while continuing to attend check-ups.