The photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is the oldest method of refractive surgery and is used for correction of vision defects since 1987th, newer methods of corneal reduction to improve eyesight are based on the PRK procedure. However, PRK is now an alternative procedure that is only preferred to other laser eye methods in special cases. The reasons lie in the tolerability of the procedure. Patients using the PRK method have a larger wound area, which can lead to pain and scarring. For this reason, vision improves only after a long time.
If you need a PRK eye surgery for your vision correction, Torrance eye doctors are available to provide you the top notch eye treatment 24/7. Use the online scheduler or call the office nearest you for the best concierge ophthalmology service.
Benefits of the Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Eye Surgery
REQUIREMENTS:
Procedure of a PRK Eye Surgery
The PRK eye surgery is carried out on an outpatient basis and takes about 25 minutes. After the anesthesia and fixation of the eye, the cover membrane of the cornea (corneal epithelium) is removed with a blunt, surgical knife and the cornea is exposed. The excimer laser is used in the next step. This removes the previously calculated part of the cornea.
In this way, the refractive power of the cornea is changed in such a way that the incident light rays are correctly bundled and fall onto the retina and produce a sharp image. Finally, the corneal epithelium is pushed back and covered with a contact lens. This contact lens protects the epithelium that has not yet firmly grown during the first 3 to 5 days. It is not necessary to wear an eye bandage. When the superficial healing of the epithelium is complete and the cover skin has grown back, the contact lens is removed. The final result is only visible after 2-3 months.
Risks and Complications of PRK
Preventions
In order to determine the subjective expectations, optical conditions and possible contraindications, a medical preliminary examination is necessary. This takes about 1.5-2 hours and includes the following steps:
Soft contact lenses should not be worn 2 weeks before the PRK operation and hard contact lenses should not be worn 4 weeks beforehand. It is also advisable to use public transport or a taxi to go to the operation, as driving vehicles is prohibited immediately after the operation. Eating and drinking is allowed on the day of the operation. Smoking, make-up or perfume should, however, be avoided.
AFTERCARE
In order to get the best results and to avoid complications, patients should take the administered pain reliever and anti-inflammatory eye drops as directed by the doctor. It is also important to attend all check-ups. These take place after 1-2 days, a week and within the six months following the procedure.
You should avoid the following activities after the PRK surgery:
My name is James K Meyer. I have been an entrepreneur and passionate blogger for over a decade, during which time I have written thousands of articles on my blog and many other publications. I write about Business, Health, Technology, Automobiles, Legal, Hospitality and much more. I am also an active contributer on Entrepreneur, Forbes, NYTimes.