WHAT IS PRK?
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a form of eye procedure used to fix refractive errors like Nearsightedness or Myopia (trouble in reading), Farsightedness (difficulty in seeing things at a distance) and Astigmatism (focus disruption of near and distant vision).
PRK does not allow the creation of a flap, so it is recommended for patients with thinner corneas or irregular topography.
HOW IT WORKS
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
The specialist will have your eyesight tested.
If you wear contact lenses, you will be asked to discontinue wearing them for a few days (in case of soft contact lenses) and a few weeks (for rigid gas permeable lenses) prior to the assessment/screening.
You may be also prescribed antibiotic eye drops that need to be started 3-4 days before the procedure.
DURING THE PROCEDURE
5-10 minutes per eye is all it takes to perfect your vision with PRK. You may be administered anaesthetic eye drops before beginning.
An eyelid holder/speculum will be positioned on each eye to keep you from blinking.
The corneal surface cells will then be removed with the help of a laser/spatula.
Then, the laser programmed specifically to match your eye measurements will reshape the cornea.
A non-prescription, clear contact lens is placed as a bandage on each eye.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Post procedure, you will return home after resting at the hospital. Do not schedule anything else for that day as you need to rest well to speed up recovery.
The specialist may need to see you a day after the procedure to assess the results and your level of comfort.
Let the specialist know if the bandage lenses fall off or get dislodged.
You will have to return within a week to have them removed from the eyes.
NOTE: Do not rub your eyes, especially for the first 3-5 days. If you experience pain or notice any sudden decrease in vision, contact your specialist without delay.A few routine eye checkups will be done to ensure everything is perfect.
KNOW MORE THROUGH THIS VIDEO
Are you eligible for LASIK? Let’s find out!
In order to go for PRK, you must:
- Be 18-45 years of age
- Your refractive error should be stable for at least a year
- Have a refractive error between -12 and +6D (You will know that through tests)
- Have a healthy cornea (You will know that through a quick test at the centre)
- Not have any medical condition that affects the ability to heal
Happy Stories
What patrons have to say
OUR EYE SPECIALISTS
Dr. Mahipal S Sachdev
New Delhi
Dr. Ritika Sachdev
New Delhi
Dr Nilufer Sultana
Hyderabad
Dr. Varun Malhotra
Hyderabad
Dr Syed Maaz Mohiuddin
Hyderabad
Maj Gen (Dr) JKS Parihar (Retd)
New Delhi
Dr. Raghav Malik
New Delhi
Dr. Pranita Sahay
New Delhi
Dr. Bharat R Thoumungkan
New Delhi
FAQS
How long does PRK take?
The entire PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy gets completed in just 15 minutes. The cornea reshapement usually takes up to 5 minutes.
Is PRK safe?
PRK is a tested procedure with a proven track record of success & is entirely safe. About 90% of the people opting for PRK have 20/20 vision without contact lenses or glasses after a year of the procedure & about 95% of the people have 20/40 vision or better without contacts or glasses.
Does PRK hurt?
Your specialist will apply numbing eye drops prior to the procedure to block any feeling of pain. While the threshold for discomfort is unique for each, most people do not report the process as painful. As the epithelial cells regenerate in your eye, there can be temporary discomfort, including throbbing or pain. The expert will advise a pain medication to control these.
Can I have PRK on both eyes?
Yes. You can have the procedure on both eyes or just one eye, according to your preference.
