Never Give Up on Something You Love Because of Your Eyesight (PRK)
LASIK is an amazing procedure to correct your vision except if your corneas are too thin. If the latter is true, you might not be eligible for the procedure.
However, we believe that one should never give up. That’s why, today we’re discussing an equally effective alternative to LASIK—Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK).
What is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
PRK is a type of refractive treatment performed to correct vision problems. It uses ultraviolet light (excimer laser) to reshape the cornea to refract light properly onto the retina and produce a clear image.
Who Should Get PRK?
PRK is typically performed on candidates with myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism. The photorefractive keratectomy procedure can be performed on one eye or both eyes, depending on your needs.
Some general guidelines for candidacy include the following:
- You are at least 18 years old
- You are not pregnant or nursing
- You have a stable eye prescription for at least one year
- You have been free from eye injuries and infections for at least one year
- You do not have dry eye syndrome
- You do not have issues with keratoconus
How Long Does PRK Take?
PRK is performed as an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes. However, you may be at the centre for two to three hours, as the entire process includes pre-procedural testing and post-procedural care.
What Happens During PRK?
Before the procedure begins, your eye surgeon will numb your eyes with topical anaesthetic drops. Once your eyes are numb, a lid speculum is placed, which holds your eye in place and prevents you from blinking.
In PRK, the epithelium is removed before the laser treatment begins. This means that there is no need to create a flap. Instead, the expert will either use laser or mechanically remove epithelium from the surface of your cornea. The excimer laser then reshapes the cornea to remove the refractive power (spectacle number).
After the laser treatment is complete, a contact lens is placed over your eye to help the epithelium heal. The entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
What Happens After PRK?
After the procedure, your eyes will be covered with protective shields, patching or bandage contact lenses to keep you from rubbing or touching your eyes. Also, avoid rubbing your eyes during the healing process to prevent complications.
Your vision will be blurry immediately after the procedure, but it should begin to improve within a few hours.
You might experience slight discomfort or pain after the procedure, but it goes away with time as the epithelium heals. Your eye surgeon will also prescribe eye drops to accelerate your recovery and reduce the risk of infection.
The bandage contact lens is removed once the epithelium heals.
Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Vision Solution for Your Needs
Planet LASIK is one of the few places in India which provide complete refractive procedures under one roof. Our team of experts will help you choose the right procedure as per your eligibility.
To learn more about PRK and to find out if you are a good candidate for the procedure, contact Planet LASIK today.
