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Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK)

Advanced Surface Ablation (PRK)

What is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?

PRK is a laser vision correction procedure that is designed to correct common refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) in order to reduce dependence on glasses or contacts. PRK is used as an alternative to LASIK in patients who are not suitable for LASIK.  PRK achieves the same outcomes as LASIK but with a slightly longer recovery period. PRK has also been called Advanced Surface Ablation and LASEK. 

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What Are the Benefits of PRK?

The major difference between PRK and LASIK is that in PRK surgery, no corneal flap is created. PRK has actually been around longer than LASIK. While LASIK has become the most popular vision correction procedure in the United States, potential benefits of PRK include:

  • Alternative to LASIK in patients with a thin cornea
  • Alternative to LASIK in patients who are at risk of significant ocular trauma and possible corneal flap issues: MMA fighters, Boxers, Military, other contact sports, etc.
  • Alternative to LASIK in patients with significant dry eye who should avoid a corneal flap

How Do We Perform PRK?

On the day of your PRK procedure, your eyes will be numbed with anesthetic eye drops and you will be given a sedative medication (Valium) to help you relax. Dr. Nightingale will review the PRK treatment plan with you. The total procedure for both eyes typically takes around 15 minutes.

PRK surgery involves two steps:

  1. Preparation of cornea: rather than creating a corneal flap as in LASIK, we use a diluted chemical treatment to gently brush away the surface layer (epithelium) of the cornea.
  2. Reshaping the cornea to correct your vision: we use the VISX Star S4 IR Active Trak excimer laser to safely and accurately reshape your cornea to treat your nearsightedness, farsightedness and/or astigmatism. 

After the laser treatment, a soft contact lens is placed on the eye to facilitate healing and comfort. This contact lens will stay on the eye for 5-7 days and will be removed by Dr. Nightingale in the office.

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How is PRK recovery?

The main difference between LASIK and PRK is recovery time. After PRK, it is normal to experience some light sensitivity, grittiness and discomfort for 3-5 days. Artificial tears, cool compresses and over-the-counter pain medication are useful during this period. 

Most patients notice a substantial improvement in vision within one week of PRK. However, the visual results continue to improve over the course of days and weeks. Ultimately, patients who undergo PRK heal and achieve the same outcome as patients who undergo LASIK. Dr. Nightingale will schedule post-operative appointments throughout your course of healing to ensure a normal healing.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding PRK

While PRK has been performed safely on countless patients, there are risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure. PRK risks and side effects include:

  • Infection
  • Corneal haze
  • Dry eye
  • Under or over-correction of refractive error
  • Glare or haloes at night

No. Prior to the procedure, your eyes are numbed with anesthetic drops so that you do not experience any pain during this 15 minute procedure. It is normal to experience some discomfort in the days following PRK, however this discomfort improves rapidly and can be managed with both prescription and over-the-counter pain medication. 

Patients should avoid eye makeup until the bandage contact lenses are removed (typically 5-7 days after procedure). We ask that patients refrain from swimming, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for two weeks following PRK.

PRK is considered an elective procedure and not medically necessary. Therefore, health insurance companies do not typically cover PRK.

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