PRK Surgery

Photrefractive keratectomy, commonly known as PRK, is a common laser eye surgery option. During PRK surgery, surgeons use an excimer laser to sculpt an area of 5 to 9 millimeters in diameter on the surface of the cornea. This procedure, which is used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism, removes up to 30 percent of the corneal tissue needed to correct these problems. The goal of PRK surgery is to reshape the cornea so that light rays enter the eye and focus properly on the retina. With each of these refractive errors, an improperly shaped cornea is to blame for inferior vision.

PRK surgery is most accurate in correcting cases of myopia. While success rates are high - 80 percent of patients who undergo PRK surgery have 20/20 vision without glasses or contacts one year after surgery and 95 to 98 percent have 20/40 vision or better - the outcome of PRK surgery is not completely predictable. Some patients will still need glasses after the surgery. It is important to recognize that PRK surgery, along with all other refractive surgeries, will not correct presbyopia, the age-related condition that forces the use of reading glasses. Therefore, patients who undergo PRK surgery may still need reading glasses as their eyes mature.

Recovery from PRK surgery may take several days, weeks or even months, with vision fully stabilizing as much as six months after surgery. Because of the direct contact between the laser and the corneal surface, healing time can be lengthy to allow for the cornea to heal. Serious complications are rare, however infection is possible. During the healing stage, patients should attend regular physician visits in order to prevent infection or complications.

PRK surgery is not for everyone. Nursing and pregnant women are usually advised to delay PRK surgery until their hormone levels return to normal; people with certain eye disorders cannot have PRK surgery; and all PRK patients should be adults with a stable eye prescription. A physician will help decide if PRK surgery is right for you.

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