U Vision Group
Uptown Eye Specialists
PRK Eye Surgery
Our team at UELC understands that laser vision correction is an extremely important decision that could alter your life immeasurably. Your eye care team consists of eye healthcare specialists and highly qualified surgeons that are extremely skilled and sub-specialized in their respective fields. Your eye care team will be with you throughout every step of your laser vision correction journey.
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PRK Eye Surgery
Photorefractive Keratectomy or PRK is a form of laser vision correction where a surgeon removes the cornea's surface layer, also known as the epithelium. They will then reshape the corneal bed with the laser, similarly to LASIK.
This specialized technique is usually reserved for patients whose cornea may be too thin to safely allow for the creation of the corneal flap essential for LASIK surgery. Sometimes, patients may come into UELC hoping to have LASIK surgery and are instead directed to PRK. This is an assessment that is made on a case-by-case basis.
Key similarities between PRK and LASIK surgery include:
Both are used to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
Both are known to be equally safe procedures.
The visual results with both procedures are the same.
Preparing for your surgery
FAQ
Your Questions Answered
Am I a suitable candidate for LASIK vision correction?
What is the age limit for laser eye surgery?
Is the treatment painful?
Will my perception change in the future after the operation?
What equipment do you use for LASIK eye surgery?
How long is the surgery?
Are RLE and LLE safe?
How are RLE and LLE Performed?
Who is a Candidate for Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Laser-assisted Refractive Lens Exchange (LLE)?
Will UltraView ReLACS™ help with astigmatism?
Is UltraView ReLACS™ safe?
How is UltraView ReLACS™ performed?
What is ReLACS?
What are Signs of Ageing in the Upper & Lower Lids?
Who Can Undergo Eyelid Surgery?
Lower Lid Blepharoplasty vs. Upper Eyelid Surgery
How Long Does Blepharoplasty Last?
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What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?
Who are ideal Candidates for PRK?
What is the age limit for PRK eye surgery
Is PRK surgery Painful?
Why should I receive my treatment at the Dry Eye Institute?
What causes Dry Eye?
What is Dry Eye?
Why should I receive my treatment at the Dry Eye Clinic?
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What is UltraView ReLACS?
What is a Light Adjustable Lens (LAL)?
How is UltraView Vision customizable?
What will UltraView DEL do for my dry eyes?
What causes Dry Eye?
PRK Eye Surgery
Photorefractive Keratectomy, commonly known as PRK surgery, is a type of laser eye surgery that is used to correct vision problems caused by refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This surgical procedure involves reshaping the cornea, which is the clear dome-shaped outer layer of the eye, to improve visual acuity. PRK surgery was first introduced in the early 1980s and has been continuously improving over time.
What is Refractive Error?
Refractive error is a common eye disorder that occurs when the shape of the eye does not allow light to focus directly on the retina. This can result in blurry or distorted vision. The three most common types of refractive error are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.
How PRK Surgery Works
During PRK surgery, an excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea. The surgeon first removes the thin outer layer of the corneal tissue, known as the epithelium. This layer grows back naturally within a few days after surgery. Then, the excimer laser is used to precisely remove small amounts of tissue from the underlying corneal tissue. The goal of the surgery is to change the shape of the cornea so that light can be properly focused on the retina, resulting in improved vision.
Advantages and Disadvantages of PRK Surgery
One of the main advantages of PRK surgery is that it does not involve creating a flap in the cornea like other types of laser eye surgeries such as LASIK. This makes it a better option for people with thinner corneas or other eye conditions that may make flap creation risky. PRK surgery also has a lower risk of complications compared to other forms of laser eye surgery.
One disadvantage of PRK surgery is that the recovery period can be longer than other laser eye surgeries. The outer layer of the cornea takes a few days to regenerate, during which time the patient may experience discomfort and blurry vision. It may take a few weeks for full recovery and visual acuity to be achieved.
PRK Eye Surgery Cost
The cost of PRK surgery varies depending on factors such as the location, the surgeon's fees, and any additional procedures required. On average, PRK surgery can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 per eye. In some cases, insurance may cover a portion of the cost if the surgery is deemed medically necessary.
The Bottom Line
PRK eye surgery is an effective and safe option for correcting refractive errors and improving vision. It offers advantages such as a lower risk of complications and suitability for patients who may not be eligible for other types of laser eye surgery. However, it may also have a longer recovery period compared to other procedures. It is important to consult with the experienced team at UELC to discuss the potential risks and benefits based on your individual needs and circumstances. If you have been struggling with vision problems caused by refractive errors, PRK surgery may be a viable solution to help you achieve clear and improved vision. Take the first step towards better vision and explore PRK surgery with UELC today. Your eyes deserve the best care and attention, so don't hesitate to invest in your visual health.
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Our team is ready to help you.
We aim to care for our patients compassionately in a technologically cutting edge environment using the latest advances in clinical research.
