If you have vision issues, your eye doctor may recommend laser eye surgery. LASIK may be the most well-known vision correction surgical procedure, but it is not the only one. Some people have conditions that can make them poor candidates for LASIK.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser surgery procedure that may be a better fit for some individuals. Learn more about PRK eye surgery: an alternative to LASIK.

Refractive Eye Surgery

LASIK and PRK are refractive surgeries that can reduce the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Both procedures can help to correct vision errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. They correct vision by reshaping the cornea.

Eye surgeons examine the patients’ eyes and take measurements before recommending the safest procedure. Certain structural features can disqualify an individual from LASIK. When this happens, doctors may recommend PRK.

PRK Eye Surgery

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a procedure where the surgeon removes the epithelium (outer cornea layer) before reshaping the surface. Removing a thin layer changes the cornea’s ability to focus correctly. After surgery, doctors place a soft contact lens (bandage) over the cornea to promote healing and ensure comfort.

Patients enjoy vision improvement after the procedure. The surgery is ideal for people with flat or thin corneas. It is also ideal for active individuals concerned about the cornea flap dislodging during their activities.

Recovery After PRK Surgery

Advances in technology have helped to reduce PRK recovery time while making the procedure more comfortable. Surgeons place a contact lens over the eye, which they remove when the surface heals. It takes a few days for the epithelium to heal.

Most patients experience light sensitivity and vision fluctuation in the week following the procedure. Most people can perform their normal tasks after a week. It can take up to six months to achieve optimal results. You will need several appointments to check the healing and vision progress.

Candidates for PRK Surgery

Good candidates for laser eye surgery are adults who have not experienced changes in their prescription for over three years. They should have a pupil size of five to six millimeters and not be pregnant or nursing. Some people who do not qualify for LASIK may be candidates for PRK, including:
 

• Individuals with thin corneas.
   

• Patients with large pupils.
   

• Patients with potential for trauma close to the high.
   

• PRK may be better than LASIK for individuals with very high prescriptions.

PRK vs. LASIK

LASIK requires the creation of a tiny flap on the cornea to access the underlying tissue. PRK involves the removal of epithelium or cornea surface cells. PRK is more painful immediately after the procedure, and it takes longer to recover.

Patients are more likely to experience side effects such as corneal haze, glare, and light sensitivity after PRK. Apart from correcting vision, PRK can help to treat aberrations, such as double vision, halos, glare, and difficulty with night vision.

Laser surgery may not be ideal for individuals with eye conditions such as severe allergies or glaucoma. Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the healing process. Your eye doctor can recommend the best vision correction treatment based on your condition.

For more information on PRK eye surgery, visit Reeve Woods Eye Center. Our office is in Chico, California. Call (530) 317-3937 to book an appointment today.