At Asian Eye Institute, we specialize in photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery and other advanced refractive procedures. We have a team of experienced medical professionals who can use our state-of-the-art facilities to provide optimal results and ensure patient satisfaction. Scheduling a consultation with us is ideal if you are exploring different options for vision correction, such as PRK surgery.
PRK is designed to help people with refractive errors, such as astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. The procedure for PRK starts by removing the outermost layer of the cornea, also known as the epithelium, using a specialized surgical instrument. Once the cornea is exposed, it will be reshaped using an excimer laser.
While both TransPRK and PRK are laser eye surgeries that reshape the cornea without a flap, PRK involves the manual removal of the outer epithelial layer before laser application. TransPRK uses a laser for both epithelium removal and corneal reshaping, making it a "no-touch" procedure.
Possible side effects of PRK include temporary discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurry vision during the healing period. Patients may also experience dry eyes or halos, which usually resolve as the eye recovers. Your doctor will discuss all potential effects.
PRK surgery effectively corrects common refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. It reshapes the corneal surface to properly focus light onto the retina, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.
The procedure for PRK eye surgery is very quick, typically taking only five to ten minutes per eye for the laser application. Including preparation and post-procedure checks, your total time at the clinic may take up to 30 minutes.
The initial recovery for PRK surgery involves discomfort and blurry vision for about 3-5 days as the epithelial layer heals. Full visual recovery can take several weeks to a few months, with vision gradually clearing and stabilizing.
Preparation for PRK includes stopping contact lens wear as instructed before your examination and surgery. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and plan for adequate rest during the initial recovery days.
During PRK surgery, anesthetic eye drops are used to numb your eyes, so you should not feel pain. You might experience pressure, however. After the procedure, some discomfort, irritation, or a foreign body sensation is common but is manageable with prescribed medication.
The vision correction achieved by PRK eye surgery is generally long-lasting. The changes made to your cornea are permanent. While natural age-related vision changes like presbyopia can still occur, the refractive correction from PRK remains stable for most patients.
