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PRK Laser Eye Surgery
About PRK Laser Eye Surgery
PRK Laser Eye Surgery was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction of nearsightedness to be performed in the U.S. using the excimer laser, and thus was the first type of Laser Vision Correction. Until the FDA approval of the excimer laser, patients really only had two options for correcting nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism-eyeglasses or contact lenses. Since FDA approval in October 1995-more than 20 years ago-millions of people have had Laser Vision Correction, with PRK having withstood the test of time as being safe, effective and predictable.
PRK is a class of Laser Eye Surgery called “surface ablation”. Simply, this means that the excimer laser energy is used to reshape the surface of the cornea by applying laser energy to the layer of the cornea beneath the epithelium, or “skin of the eye”. The cornea is the clear, dome shaped layer on the front of the eye. In order to apply the laser energy we must gently remove the outermost layer of the epithelium. While the procedure itself is painless, some patients may experience mild discomfort during the first day or so of the healing process. The corneal epithelium serves many functions including providing a smooth optical surface. Once the corneal epithelium is removed, it may require several days or more to heal. Most patients see well out of the operated eye right away, but it takes a few weeks to achieve the best and clearest visual recovery.
We may recommend PRK as the laser eye surgery procedure of choice for certain patients including those who have particularly thin corneas, those who actively participate in contact sports, and those in active military duty. Today, we use advanced “scanning-tracking” laser technology to provide a smoother corneal surface and markedly improved eye drop medications, both of which make the visual recovery and overall comfort considerably better than the early PRK procedures.
PRK is in fact the Laser Eye Surgery procedure of choice for certain patients including those who have particularly thin corneas, those who actively participate in contact sports, and some in active military duty.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about PRK Laser Eye Surgery or schedule a Free Consultation, please call D'Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule an appointment.