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What is PRK?
The
New Age of Refractive Surgery
Prior
to the late 1970s, countless numbers of people were unable to
live the lives they wanted due to vision abnormalities. All of
this changed with the advent of refractive surgery. With the
invention of the excimer laser, patients no longer have to depend
upon glasses and contact lenses for vision correction. Refractive
surgery is helping people lead more active, carefree lives. For
many, Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) represents
the first step in this direction.
The
excimer laser's contribution to vision correction lies in its
ability to correct refractive errors. Although results may vary,
the accuracy of this laser, combined with the latest in computer
technology, makes PRK an extremely successful procedure.
Photo-Refractive Keratectomy
(PRK)
PRK uses gentle
pulses of ultraviolet light to reshape the cornea, improving
the eye's ability to refract light. The tissue surrounding the
cornea is unharmed by this process. Because PRK does not
involve making incisions, the cornea's structure is left intact.
PRK is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The excimer
laser reshapes the cornea in less than one minute and the whole
PRK procedure usually lasts less than 30 minutes.
Although
an anesthetic (in the form of an eye drop) is applied during
PRK, patients may experience slight discomfort following
the procedure. This normally subsides as the epithelium (or outer
layer of the cornea) heals, typically between 48-72 hours. Patients
may experience marked improvement in vision within a few days,
while for others this process takes weeks or even months. However,
patients normally return to their usual routines within a few
days.
Myopia
Myopia,
commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a condition whereby
light rays focus in front of the retina, instead of directly
on the retina.
Hyperopia
Hyperopia,or
farsightedness occurs when the eye is too small or the cornea
is too flat. When this happens, visual images are focused behind
the retina.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism
is a condition in which light rays focus on multiple points of
the retina.
PRK
(Photo-Refractive Keratectomy)
PRK adjusts
the way the eye focuses (refracts) light, thereby significantly
improving patients' eyesight without glasses or contacts.
Can I have PRK?
The
Best Candidate
PRK is ideal for
patients past the age of 21 who have healthy eyes and a stable
glasses prescription. The PRK procedure should not be performed
on patients who suffer from certain medical conditions, nor on
pregnant women.
Expectations
The
decision to undergo a PRK procedure is a personal one.
Before undergoing this procedure, it is important to know the
risks involved, and to have realistic expectations. PRK
can drastically improve, but not perfect your vision with out
glasses or contacts. PRK does not correct for presbyopia,
an aging condition of the eye that typically requires people
to use reading glasses. Many patients past the age of 40 may
be required to wear reading glasses once PRK has been
performed. Contact Dr. Burrell for additional information
on whether you are a good candidate for the PRK procedure.
What's
The First Step?
Before
considering PRK, visit Dr. Burrell for a free consultation
to determine your level of refractive error. If your refractive
error falls within the parameters considered appropriate for
PRK, more extensive tests will be performed. If it is
determined that you are not a candidate, you may still be able
to pursue other refractive procedures for vision correction. |
