PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK

Photorefractive Keratectomy

PRK treatment is carried out as an outpatient procedure. PRK stand for Photo Refractive Keratectomy. This technique was once very popular due to its effectiveness in treating myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. The technique is very similar to LASIK, but the keratectomy by microkeratome is unnecessary. The surgeon will gently remove the outer layer of cells (skin) from the surface of your cornea with a hand-held instrument before treating your eye with the laser. You will hear the laser make a faint clicking sound. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes and the laser treatment itself is very brief-typically lasting for no more than 45 seconds. It is a more desirable method for patients with a thin cornea.

However, the recovery time of PRK is longer than LASIK and there is a greater risk of infection, corneal haze. Steroid eye drops must also be used for longer time and close observation and checkups are required.

PRK Treatment Process

The surgeon will prepare to remove the epithelium
The epithelium removed according to the calculation
Excimer Laser is used to reshape the corneal curvature and thickness and needed.
The contact lens is place on the eyes to prevent irritation that could happens in a few days after the treatment

Useful Knowledge

LASIK EligibilityShow More

Individuals seeking to escape the constraints of glasses or contact lenses and those yearning for freedom from the daily inconveniences of wearing eyewear.

All LASIK candidates must be at least 18 years old. We recommend waiting until your eyes have fully matured and stabilized to ensure the best and most enduring outcomes.

An individual free from corneal diseases, especially keratoconus or thin corneas, or any condition that could hinder the wound healing process.

Pregnant women are not suitable candidates for LASIK treatment due to hormonal fluctuations and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.

Patients over 40 may still need reading glasses after receiving full correction for nearsightedness, as the procedure does not prevent age-related vision changes.

Individuals who fully understand the benefits and potential side effects of LASIK surgery and maintain realistic expectations about the outcomes.

How to Get Ready for a Comprehensive Eye ExamShow More

Before your preoperative examination, please adhere to the following guidelines: Remove soft contact lenses at least 3 days before your appointment, and hard contact lenses at least 7 days before your appointment.

After eye dilation, you may experience temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity, making driving unsafe. Please arrange for transportation or have someone drive you home from your appointment.

Bringing sunglasses is recommended to reduce light sensitivity after dilation.

LASIK Eligibility Assessment (Eye Examination)Show More

$Have your eyesight checked and measured using an Auto Refractometer.$

Have your eyesight checked and measured using an Auto Refractometer.

Check and measure your eye pressure using an IOP (Intraocular Pressure) machine.

Check and measure the level of vision before eye dilation

Perform Wavefront analysis using OPDScan technology

Pentacam assessment of corneal curvature and thickness

Perform pupil dilation, followed by a break for the patient prior to the consultation

Evaluate visual acuity after pupil dilation to ensure accurate assessment

$Comprehensive Evaluation and Consultation by Corneal & Refractive Surgery Specialist$

Comprehensive Evaluation and Consultation by Corneal & Refractive Surgery Specialist

Preparation steps prior to treatment initiationShow More

Please ensure you do not wear soft contact lenses for at least 3 full days and hard contact lenses for at least 7 days.

It is important to avoid applying makeup, especially close to your eyes.

It is crucial to AVOID sprays and perfumes, as they can interfere with the laser equipment during your procedure.

We recommend a shirt with front buttons if that's convenient for you. Please also bathe and tidy your hair thoroughly before your appointment.

We recommend having a friend or family member come with you to help you get home after your appointment.

Preparation steps prior to treatment initiation

Post-Operation Care InstructionsShow More

What to expect on your first night after surgery

Please KEEP your eye shield on at all times. If tears flow out, gently dab them with a clean tissue.

Your eyes might feel a bit irritated or gritty, similar to having sand or dust in them. You could also experience some mild soreness or pain, which you can manage with the prescribed pain reliever.

It's crucial to get plenty of rest to aid your recovery. Please AVOID testing your vision immediately after the treatment by watching television or reading. If you find it difficult to sleep, you may take the prescribed sleeping pills as directed.

Your Guide to the First Week After Surgery

1. Be sure to AVOID getting water into your eyes for approximately one week. While you can shower as usual, take extra precaution to prevent water from splashing or entering your eye. Use a saline solution to gently clean the skin around your eye to maintain cleanliness and help prevent infection.

2. Proper Healing with Prescribed Eye Drops: Use your eye drops consistently and correctly.

Tobradex (Antibiotic Eye Drops): Use for no more than one week unless your doctor advises otherwise. Apply 4 times a day (morning, midday, evening, and before bed).

Vislube (Artificial Tears): Use every 2 hours as needed for dryness, and we recommend using it for up to 1-3 months depending on how your eye is healing. Feel free to use it more often if your eyes are very dry.

Important: Apply Tobradex first, wait 5 minutes, then apply Vislube.

3. Use a saline solution to gently clean around your eyes two times daily, specifically in the morning and before you go to sleep.

4. Eye Shield: Please wear the eye shield we've given you every night while you sleep for the first week. You can wash it with soap and water to use again the next night.

5. Swimming: Please avoid swimming for at least two weeks after your procedure. AVOID swimming in the sea, and diving for at least a month.

6. Don't worry if your vision seems blurry, hazy, or changes throughout the day – this is normal in the early stages. Your vision should gradually get clearer each day. If your eyes feel dry, use the Vislube drops.

7. If you have any urgent questions or concerns about your eye care or these instructions, please don't hesitate to contact your consultant right away.

Your Guide to the First Month After Surgery

1. Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes and any other strenuous movements for 1 month.

2. Whenever you go outside, we advise to use sunglasses to protect your eyes from sunlight and dust.

3. Avoid strenuous sports activities for 1 month.

Follow-Up Appointments

For the best monitoring of your eye's healing, we usually schedule follow-up appointments at these intervals: 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and then at the one-year mark. After the first year, we recommend an annual check-up.