
What is PRK refractive surgery?
25 July 2024
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of refractive surgery intended to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a flap in the cornea. Instead, the epithelium (the outermost layer of the cornea) is removed to allow the excimer laser to access and remodel the corneal surface.
How does PRK work?
1. Eye preparation: Before the procedure, anesthetic drops are applied to numb the eye and ensure that the patient does not feel pain. A speculum is used to keep the eye open during surgery.
2. Removal of the epithelium: The surgeon uses a surgical instrument called a brush or a spatula to carefully scrape the corneal epithelium. This is the most common method and is done manually.
3. Application of the MEL 90 excimer laser: the excimer laser MEL 90, controlled by a computer, emits pulses of cold ultraviolet light that reshape the cornea according to the patient's visual needs. The laser removes microscopic amounts of tissue to change the curvature of the cornea and correct vision.
4. Contact lens placement: Once remodeling has been completed, a soft contact lens is placed over the treated cornea to protect it while the epithelium regenerates. This lens is usually worn for a few days until the epithelium has recovered sufficiently.
Recovery process
Recovery from PRK tends to be longer compared to LASIK. During the first few days, patients may experience discomfort, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Complete vision recovery may take several weeks. It is crucial to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery and minimize the risk of complications.