What Is PRK?
Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is a type of laser eye surgery used for correcting vision problems, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. PRK can be an alternative to other forms of corrective eye surgery, such as LASIK.
What Happens During PRK Surgery?
During the PRK procedure, part of the outer layer at the front of your cornea is removed and replaced with tissue reshaped by a high-energy excimer laser. That reshaping helps focus light more accurately so that images can be seen more clearly. This improves your vision and, for many patients, can eliminate their dependents on corrective lenses, including eyeglasses and contacts.
What Can I Expect Post-operation?
Recovery from PRK takes longer than recovery time from LASIK because there’s no flap created in the cornea during PRK—so the healing time for the cornea is longer. It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and the best results. Immediately after PRK, your vision may be blurry or hazy, and you may experience discomfort, such as a burning sensation or sensitivity to light. You should avoid rubbing your eyes and refrain from certain activities like swimming, contact sports, and excessive bending in order to give your eyes sufficient time to heal properly.
Overall, PRK can provide good vision correction results—and it can be an ideal option for those who don’t qualify for LASIK surgery. Talk to Dr. Stuart P. Sondheimer about whether PRK is right for you! Call 847-677-2794 to request a visit with him and his team in Skokie, IL, to find out more about this and other surgical treatments available to improve your eyesight and eye health.
