- VISION CORRECTION

PRK

If you're not an ideal candidate for LASIK eye surgery, PRK could be an option you may want to consider. PRK can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

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Portrait of a smiling young man with a beard holding his glasses, looking directly at the camera, conveying clear vision and satisfaction.

FDA APPROVED

1995 - before LASIK

LASER TIME

Under one minute

FLAP

None

GOOD FOR

Some thinner corneas

- WHAT IS PRK?

The first FDA-approved laser vision procedure.

If you have been doing some LASIK research, you may come across a term called PRK. PRK is a form of laser vision correction that was actually FDA approved before LASIK eye surgery and may have potential benefits for you. PRK was the first laser refractive surgery approved by the FDA, receiving final approval in 1995.

PRK is a refractive eye surgery procedure that utilizes the excimer laser to reshape the cornea and improve nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism much like LASIK eye surgery. Once the cornea has flattened, light rays are more easily focused upon the retina. PRK differs from LASIK in that no flap of tissue is created prior to resculpting the cornea with the excimer laser. In LASIK, this flap creation does enable a faster recovery period.

— THE PROCEDURE

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy)
procedure.

01Numbing and preparation

The procedure can be performed once the eye has been numbed with anesthetic drops. A speculum will be positioned to hold your eyelids back just like in LASIK so that your eyelids will not interrupt the actual surgery.

02Laser treatment

The ophthalmologist will then remove the outer cornea cells and proceed with the actual laser treatment. The laser is then positioned to directly treat the cornea. This laser delivery takes less than one minute to complete for most patients. Once the laser treatment or refractive ablation is completed, the corneal curvature is reshaped, thus improving the refractive error.

03Comfort and protection

Your ophthalmologist will then place a bandage contact lens on the eye for improved comfort along with anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops.

04Follow-up schedule

Post-operatively, our patients will be re-evaluated one day, three days, one week, one month, two to three months, and four to six months following the PRK procedure. The bandage contact lens can usually be removed on the second or third post-operative day when the epithelium is healed. Most patients will only require eye drops to control healing during the first 6 to 12 weeks, but other patients may require topically applied medications for up to 6 months or more following the procedure. In general, the greater the refractive error, the more likely the patient is to require eye drop medications for a prolonged period following the procedure.

- PRK OR LASIK?

Comparing PRK and LASIK.

Both procedures use the excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Your consultation determines which is right for your eyes.

PRK

LASIK

Corneal flap

Yes

Treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism

Yes

Recovery

Longer - bandage lens for 2-3 days

Faster

Thin corneas

Often suitable

Limited

- PATIENT STORIES

What our patients
say.

Read more reviews ↗

★★★★★

“I strongly recommend seeing Dr. Reeves for LASIK surgery. He and his staff are patient, friendly, and knowledgeable, which helped relieve all my concerns and any hesitancy pre- and post-operation. Any eye surgery comes with its fears, but I felt secure and confident throughout the entire process due to the expertise of Dr. Reeves. Using the most modern technology and equipment, his assessment, diagnosis, and study of my eye led to an accurate LASIK treatment and a happy result. The facility is clean and professional and the staff pays attention to every detail. I used to wear glasses. Now I don’t at all. Dr. Reeves and his team are miracle workers.”

DAVID S. · LASIK

★★★★★

“Dr. Reeves and his staff are absolutely amazing. They actually care enough to remember patients and greet them with warm smiles. [PRK patient - now 20/15 in both eyes. Paste the full testimonial from the live Testimonials page.]”