The Laser Eye Surgery
Known as PRK
Understanding PRK
There is also another popular laser eye surgery is PRK or
Photorefractive Keratectomy. Similar to other types of laser
eye surgery, PRK is a procedure during which the cornea is
reshaped. Reshaping of the cornea with PRK is extremely effective
to restore vision to 20/20 or better. And for about 80% of
the patients, quality vision can be regained without the need
to wear eye glasses or corrective lenses.
The laser eye surgery PRK is different from LASIK and LASEK
in that the laser pulses the top of the cornea, not beneath
it. This also means that you need not slice a thin hinged
flap from the top of the cornea.
The benefits of PRK
For those who benefit from PRK laser eye surgery tend to
have mild to moderate degrees of farsightedness, nearsightedness
or astigmatism. The other benefits include lesser complications.
Slicing the corneal flap can cause problems beforehand if
the flap is cut completely off the cornea rather than leaving
it hinged. Recovery can also be vulnerable should the patient
rub the eye and cause the flap to dislodge and interfere with
the healing process.
The disadvantages of PRK
Most of the times, PRK laser eye surgery will cause more
pain. Later, discomfort might continue for several days. Eyes
may be irritated and watery resulting in a longer healing
time.
PRK laser eye surgery requires several months before 20/20
results are achieved. And even then, there will be no guarantee
that the patient will attain this level of vision without
eye glasses. Halos around images and glare are two additional
potential side effects.
Last but not least, PRK eye surgery usually does not cost
any less than LASIK Surgery, with costs averaging around $2,000
per eye.
The procedure of PRK
Before the PRK procedure an eye surgeon will take a complete
medical history and perform a thorough round of eye testing
to ensure the patient is a good candidate. Then a procedure
date will be scheduled.
Patients will be given local anesthesia, and in just several
minutes, cool beams of laser are pulsed onto the top of the
cornea, and continue until it is properly reshaped. A bandage
which mimics a contact lens will be put on the eye and remains
for several days to enhance the healing process. During the
next several months, regular follow-up visits with the eye
surgeon are crucial.
After the surgery, you should expect periods of good vision
and blurry vision for several weeks. It's possible that glasses
will need to be worn, especially at night. Eye drops will
keep eyes moist and prevent infection. You will not be able
to operate a motor vehicle for few weeks after the PRK procedure.
Best vision won't be achieved until a minimum of 6 weeks and
may take as much as 6 months.
| 
