Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK)
The excimer laser removes tissue less than the thickness of a human hair.
The excimer laser removes tissue less than the thickness of a human hair. Employing the accuracy and precision of the excimer laser, PRK reshapes the cornea to improve the way light is focused by the eye. Ultraviolet light and high energy pulses, lasting only billionths of a second, disrupt the molecular bonds between the corneal cells with accuracy up to 0.25 microns. The excimer laser is unique in that it emits a 'cool' or non-thermal light beam. This makes it ideal for corneal surgery because it eliminates the possibility of thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
Because no incisions are made, PRK does not weaken the structure of the cornea.
In most cases PRK is performed as an outpatient procedure in the comfort and convenience of our surgical center. The laser actually sculpts the cornea in less than 60 seconds and the entire procedure takes merely a matter of minutes
The reshaped cornea causes images to focus more directly on the retina.
The reshaped cornea causes images to focus more directly on the retina
The procedure is performed using anesthetic eye drops. Patients report some discomfort after the procedure, which usually ceases within 24 to 48 hours. Some patients see a dramatic improvement in their vision within the first day. Usually, the superficial healing of the treated area occurs over a period of 2 to 3 days. A soft contact lens with no prescription is placed over the cornea to act as a bandage and reduce discomfort during this time. Following PRK, visual recovery usually takes several days to a few weeks. Most patients return to normal activities within one to three days.
