Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a vision correction procedure that was developed before the advent of Lasik surgery. PRK uses an excimer laser which involves a cool ultraviolet light beam that precisely removes small pieces of tissue from the cornea surface to reshape it. People who are nearsighted, farsighted and have astigmatism can benefit from a PRK procedure since it smoothes out the irregular cornea.
Many patients often want to know the difference between PRK and Lasik surgery since the two procedures are quite similar. During Lasik, the corneal flap is created and reshaped from within. In PRK the outer surface of the cornea is reshaped. Both procedures use lasers for reshaping the cornea. However, after PRK, the outer layers of the corneal tissue must heal and so the recovery time is a bit longer compared to Lasik.
PRK is a fairly quick procedure and the patient is awake the entire time. Your doctor may give you a mild sedative before starting and most do not feel pain during PRK. Patients undergoing PRK will be required to lie down as the doctor ensures that the eye is positioned directly under the laser and usually each eye is operated on at a time. A retainer is usually placed under the eyelids so that they remain open which is usually not uncomfortable. Anesthetic drops are applied to the eye to prevent pain during the surgery.
Patients wear a bandage like contact lens during PRK recovery. Your doctor will also give you anti-inflammatory eye drops and antibiotics to assist with healing. The time period for healing after a PRK procedure is usually longer than Lasik surgery. Patients will see improved vision after 2 weeks.
You will most likely have several follow-up visits for the next year to ensure that there are not any complications and so that the doctor can monitor your recovery. You should avoid strenuous activities for a month following laser eye surgery. Irritants such as lotions and eye makeup should be avoided for at least two weeks after the procedure. It is best to check with your doctor about things to avoid placing in the eye area.
Unlike Lasik, PRK has a longer recovery rate which is why Lasik is a more popular procedure. PRK patients are usually advised to rest for at least two days after laser eye surgery and may experience moderate pain during the first few days of recovery. Vision may also fluctuate during the first few weeks and possibly as long as six months.