PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK, is an outpatient procedure that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism to reduce the need for corrective lenses. FDA approved in 1995, PRK reshapes the cornea by using the Visx S4 Excimer laser to ablate (remove by vaporization) a small amount of corneal tissue from the front of the eye. Computer-guided laser pulses reshape the cornea in a way that improves the refraction (bending) of light, which enhances total vision. The United States Air Force recently approved PRK for its fighter pilots as an alternative method of vision correction. PRK is a vision treatment option for patients who are not candidates for LASIK (the most common form of laser vision correction). Corneal Associates of New Jersey can help determine which vision treatment option is best for your eyes.

PRK (Surface Ablation) Option

PRK and LASIK share many similarities. Both PRK and LASIK are:

• Outpatient procedures
• Performed in minutes
• Used to treat nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism
• Performed using an excimer laser
• Nearly pain free with eye drop anesthetics
• Effectively reduce the need for glasses or contacts

Corneal Associates of New Jersey may recommend PRK, instead of LASIK if you have one or more of the following conditions:

• Thin corneas
• Extremely flat or extremely steep corneas, both of which increase the likelihood of LASIK flap problems
• Extremely dry eyes, which can be aggravated by LASIK
• Extremely deep set eyes or very tight, slit-like lids, which can prevent the microkeratome from creating a good flap
• Loose epithelium (basement membrane dystrophy)
• Aberrations and other imperfections of the corneal surface.

The conditions listed above warrant concern, because they indicate a higher risk of corneal flap complications. If your eye doctor feels that you are in one of the higher risk categories, it may be best to avoid LASIK and choose PRK a.k.a. Surface Ablation instead. The actual laser treatment to correct your vision is the same in both PRK and LASIK. More importantly, the results are the same, so the extra healing time may well be worth the extra safety of PRK.

Generally, good LASIK candidates will be advised to have the LASIK procedure. Alternately, poor LASIK candidates may find PRK to be a great alternative.