Laser Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was one of the first refractive surgeries to use a laser to correct a patient's eyesight. The PRK was thoroughly tested before it was extensively performed on patients after receiving approval from the FDA. PRK is available to some patients who are not strong candidate for LASIK.
During PRK an excimer laser is used to change and/or alter the shape of a patients cornea. By changing or altering the shape of the cornea, rays of light will be able to better reach the retina. The laser uses cold light beams to remove cell tissues from the top of the cornea. The process of removing the cells is called ablation and the amount of ablation needed is determine by the type of refractive error being corrected.
The healing process for PRK takes longer than LASIK because the procedure is done entirely on the surface of the cornea. Typically, protective contact lenses are worn after surgery to protect the cornea during the healing time. PRK is a procedure that can help improve vision for candidates who are not strong candidates for other laser vision correction procedures.
