WVLEC Services — Photorefractive Heratectomy (PRK)
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), a refractive eye surgery, is similar to LASIK in that both procedures employ a computer-controlled excimer laser to reshape the cornea (the front surface of the eye), in order to change its ability to focus light on the retina of the affected eye.
PRK is characterized by a lengthier healing process and more discomfort than LASIK. However, PRK requires less instrumentation and avoids the creation of the flap and its attendant risks.
Do you Qualify for PRK?
PRK is not for everyone. There are a few medical conditions that some people have that make them poor candidates for this procedure. These conditions are rare and can be detected during your pre-procedure examination with what is called a Corneal Map. If a condition exists, it is not wise to proceed and you will be told.
Additionally, a condition brought on by the aging process, called presbyopia, cannot be treated. Presbyopia is the loss of flexibility of your eye lens. This causes many people to need reading glasses as they get older. However, most people can have PRK. After (these conditions) have been ruled out, there are few impediments to a successful procedure.
PRK is approved in the United States for the treatment of -1.00 to -7.00 diopters of myopia. With refinements in software and improvements in ablation profiles, this may increase to up to -10.00 diopters. However, the more tissue removed, the more vigorous the healing response. Therefore, it is more likely that there will be regression of effect and haze and/or scarring.
If any of the following conditions apply to you, then you are NOT a good candidate for PRK:
- Pregnancy.
- Unstable refractive error (your vision has been changing over the past 12 months).
- Collagen/Vascular disease.
- Active ocular disease.
- Under 20 years of age.
- Pacemaker users.