PRK is an option for patients who wish to undergo refractive surgery to correct refractive errors but are not good candidates for LASIK. Many individuals who have thin corneas or have had previous refractive surgery are poor candidates for LASIK, but can safely undergo PRK. Corneal scarring, which makes LASIK eye surgery impossible, does not rule out the PRK procedure. The same is true for certain corneal dystrophies and recurrent corneal erosion.
PRK is a variation of LASIK, differing in that Dr. Lipsky does not create a corneal flap. Instead, the surface skin cells (corneal epithelium) are gently removed, and the cornea is treated by the same WaveFront-guided VISX Star S4T Excimer Laser.
After this procedure, a contact lens is placed on the eye and left in place for four to seven days, allowing the surface cells to grow back under the contact lens.
PRK Candidates
 Most adults are good candidates for PRK. In order to undergo PRK, patients must be over 18 and have stable vision for at least one year before surgery. People are best suited for Photorefractive Keratectomy are people with moderate levels of myopia or hyperopia who have corneal abnormalities that make them not best suited for LASIK. However PRK may also be used for people with high prescription levels and for active military personnel.
PRK is the procedure of choice of the United States military for Special Forces units.
Recovery from PRK
The biggest disadvantage that PRK has compared to LASIK eye surgery is that it takes longer to recover after the PRK procedure. Recovery is also somewhat more uncomfortable for PRK patients than it is for LASIK patients.
The corneal epithelium must re-grow, and while it does, recovering patients will need to wear protective contact lenses. Dr. Lipsky also requires that his patients use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops during recovery. During this time, patients may also experience fluctuating vision as this tissue heals. This is normal, and vision should stabilize over time.
If you are searching for an alternative to LASIK eye surgery, undergoing the PRK procedure may be the ideal solution.
Our office offers free evaluations for this procedure and our staff will discuss refractive options with you.
Our pricing is all inclusive and includes pre operative and post operative care, all facility fees, and surgeon fees.
Ask about our cash discount.
Please call our office at (281) 464-9616 to schedule your appointment today.
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