What is PRK Eye Surgery?
PRK, a photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of refractive eye surgery used to change the shape of the cornea. The PRK eye surgery takes only about 15 minutes and can give you clear vision within a few days. This PRK eye surgery corrects vision by reshaping one’s cornea. The PRK eye surgery can correct the vision of farsighted, nearsighted or have astigmatism and presbyopia. In this blog, we will explore and understand what PRK eye surgery is and its procedure. The blog will also focus on understanding the PRK treatment period and the common side effects of PRK eye surgery.
The PRK Procedure
If you are 21 years old or older than that, you are eligible for a PRK eye surgery procedure. This procedure is an outpatient procedure. This means that you can go home very quickly after the surgery. This is a limited waiting time. Let us first understand the PRK eye surgery procedure in detail. The following are the steps involved in PRK eye surgery:
Preparation: Firstly, before the PRK eye surgery, specific tests are covered and considered by the eye surgeon. When you consult your doctor, they suggest different things and explain the whole procedure and what should be expected before and after the PRK eye surgery. Then, your medical history is considered, and several tests, such as the eye surface or corneal thickness measurement, are done; the eye pressure is checked, and corneal mapping and refraction are also done. Along with all of this, your doctor will also check if you have other eye problems because if the PRK eye surgery is done when the patient has existing problems, it could be more detrimental and damaging.
Removal of the Epithelium: Numbing drops are first used so the patient feels no pain. Next, when the eyes are numb, the doctor removes the outermost layer of the eye, the epithelium. This layer can grow back within a few days.
Laser Reshaping: Once the epithelial layer is removed, the laser light is focused on the eye. Having the patient look at the target helps the laser work more precisely on the eye. The laser then thins certain areas of the cornea, causing it to change shape after the epithelium grows back.
Bandage: After the PRK eye surgery is done, the doctor applies medicated eye drops if necessary and covers the eyes with bandage contact lenses. This helps protect the eyes until the epithelium grows back.
Benefits of PRK Treatment
No Flap Complications: Similar to the PRK treatment, LASIK surgery requires creating a flap, which, if cut too deep, can destroy the nerve connections that help with moisture. In contrast, the PRK treatment does not require creating that flap, hence there are no flap complications.
Suitable for Thin Corneas: Again, similarly, creating a flap for LASIK surgery would be more dangerous if you have thin corneas. So, for people who wish to correct their vision but have thin corneas, the PRK treatment is a good option.
Lower Risk of Dry Eye: Since the creation of the flap requires deep cuts, it could sometimes hamper the eyes’ ability to produce enough moisture, which can result in dry eyes. In a PRK treatment this can be avoided and therefore the risk of dry eyes is also reduced.
Proven Long-Term Results: The PRK treatment is safe and effective as there are comparatively less complications, and even if complications do occur they are minor and temporary. People who have undergone the PRK treatment have a vision within 0.50 diopters. With this number most people don’t even require glasses.
Recovery After PRK Treatment
Recovery after the PRK treatment is usually quick and can be a lot easier if you follow through with proper care. Here are some tips for a successful recovery from a PRK treatment eye surgery:
Tips for a Successful PRK Recovery
Follow Postoperative Care Instructions: Make sure you follow through with the postoperative care instructions provided by your doctor. Take proper medications and
Avoid Eye Strain: For a few days, go easy on yourself. Take care of your eyes and avoid straining them. Avoid much physical activity, aad make sure you get enough rest.
Protect Your Eyes: To protect your eyes, your doctor will place bandage contact lenses. Wear sunglasses whenever you go out to protect your eyes.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Make sure you attend follow up appointments and visits to the doctor to recover properly.
Common Side Effects of PRK Eye Surgery
PRK surgery side effects include the following:
Discomfort and Pain: After the PRK eye surgery, slight pain and discomfort are common within the first 24 to 72 hours.
Blurred and Hazy Vision: Some patients complain of having cloudy or blurred vision.
Sensitivity to Light: PRK eye surgery side effects also include a vision of seeing lights or halo or a glare in the night time.
Dry Eyes: Some people also experience the feeling of dry eyes or a sensation of having dirt in their eyes.
FAQs
- Who is a good candidate for PRK?
A person who is 21 years or older is a good candidate and is eligible for PRK eye surgery.
- What is the recovery time for PRK?
The recovery time for PRK treatment eye surgery is usually a few weeks, that is 2-4 weeks but the patient has to follow up with a doctor and medications for a span of at least six months.
- What are the risks and side effects of PRK?
The risks and side effects of PRK eye surgery are discomfort, dry eyes, sensitivity to light, cloudy/ hazy vision, glare and an infection at times.
- How should I prepare for PRK eye surgery?
Before you go for the PRK eye surgery, meet with your doctor to understand the surgery in detail. Then, the doctor will have you undergo certain eye tests. From your end, stop wearing your contact lenses and avoid makeup a few days before the surgery. Have light food on the day of the surgery and take the prescribed medications. Remember to call and inform your physician if you feel unwell before the surgery.