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Disclaimer

This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive & cataract surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another.

PRK (short for Photorefractive Keratectomy) was one of the first procedures to use excimer lasers to correct vision and has been available since the late 80s. Since then, it has garnered widespread acceptance for correcting most refractive errors, including near- and far-sightedness, as well as astigmatism. Find out here if PRK is suitable for you, the pros and cons that might influence your decision to go ahead with surgery and the further options you have to improve your vision.

Who is a suitable candidate for PRK?

If you are considering PRK vision correction, find out if you meet the criteria

The PRK procedure may be an option for you if you suffer from near-sightedness (myopia) or far-sightedness (hyperopia) with or without astigmatism. Just like for other laser vision corrections, to qualify for PRK, you should be over 18-years old, have had a stable prescription for at least a year and generally be in good health.

During the PRK treatment, your ophthalmic surgeon completely removes the top layer of corneal cells (epithelium). This exposes the corneal layer underneath the epithelium, which your surgeon reshapes using a traditional excimer laser to correct your refractive error. Once this is done, they apply a bandage contact lens to help with healing.

In general, you will not be a suitable candidate for PRK if you have an unstable refractive error, advanced glaucoma or uncontrolled diabetes. Likewise, if you have a history of significant corneal scarring or certain eye infections, PRK is not right for you. Your doctor will be able to assess your suitability for PRK based on your individual circumstances. They can explain the procedure detail and also offer advice on the alternatives available should you decide PRK is not your best option.

The pros and cons of PRK

What you need to know about the PRK procedure

PRK is one of the oldest procedures on the market and can be the most suitable choice for patients with thinner corneas. During a PRK procedure, the outer layer of the eye is removed, which leaves enough tissue for your surgeon to shape the cornea to correct the patient's vision.

As the epithelium is completely removed during the PRK procedure, it usually takes around three days for the layer to grow back, after which your surgeon will remove the bandage contact lens. Overall, visual stability is achieved after around 3-5 months, which is typically longer than other procedures.

PRK is typically one of the options considered by patients who do not want to go for a procedure that creates a flap, such as LASIK. With PRK, there is no risk of a flap being displaced (as no flap is created in the first place), and no flap-related other complications can occur post-op. This may be an attractive option for anyone with an energetic lifestyle or occupation who is worried about accidentally dislodging the flap during strenuous activity. However, there is now an advanced procedure available, Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE, that corrects your vision using the latest laser technology without the need to create a flap.

Alternatives to PRK

Discover the full range of options for laser eye surgery

With a track record stretching back to the 1980s, PRK is a well-established procedure. However, developments in medical technology and surgical procedures mean there are more advanced laser eye correction procedures available.

LASIK

LASIK is one of the most common forms of laser vision correction performed today. During the treatment, your surgeon corrects refractive errors by folding back the top layer of the eye and reshaping the tissue underneath. The procedure was first performed in the early 1990s and has become synonymous with laser vision correction.

Lenticule Extraction with ZEISS SMILE

As an advanced development in laser vision correction, ZEISS SMILE leverages modern femtosecond laser technology to correct your vision. With Lenticule Extraction using ZEISS SMILE, there is no need to create a flap as the laser creates a small ~ 4 mm incision, through which your surgeon accesses your cornea. It is a popular option, with over 1,400 clinics and more than 2,500 practicing surgeons worldwide performing laser vision correction with ZEISS SMILE.

Frequently Asked Question about the PRK procedure

  • PRK surgery has good success rates, but like any surgery, it is not risk-free. Some possible complications include infection and inflammation of the eye, glares, halos and starbursts, as well as corneal haze and dry eyes. Many of these complications are treatable with medication, however, some of them may require additional surgery. You should contact your ophthalmic surgeon immediately if you notice any signs of infection, redness of the eye, pain, discharge, or decreased vision.

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PRK

To find out more about PRK and your personal suitability, don’t hesitate to talk to an eye doctor that offers PRK.

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    This website is only for basic information. It is not to be considered medical advice or a substitute for obtaining your own medical consultation, during which you will be informed also about possible risks, side effects and restrictions of refractive & cataract surgery. Not all treatment options are approved or offered in every country and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another.