Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Nevada Eye Consultants is dedicated to providing advanced eye care and vision correction solutions, including Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), to patients in Reno and throughout Northern Nevada and California. PRK offers an excellent option for individuals with refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism who may not be suitable candidates for LASIK surgery due to thinner corneas or other eye
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Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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conditions.
With this advanced laser eye surgery, we can help reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses, offering long-term vision improvement. Learn more about PRK and how our skilled team can help you achieve clearer vision with the latest technology.
- What is Photorefractive Keratectomy?
- What Does Photorefractive Keratectomy Treat?
- Benefits of Photorefractive Keratectomy
- Who is a Candidate for Photorefractive Keratectomy?
- Preparing for Photorefractive Keratectomy
- The Photorefractive Keratectomy Procedure
- Photorefractive Keratectomy Recovery & Results
- FAQs About Photorefractive Keratectomy
What is Photorefractive Keratectomy?
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a type of laser eye surgery designed to correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea, improving how light enters the eye to focus on the retina. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap, making it an excellent option for patients with thin corneas or those at risk of complications from LASIK. During PRK, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is gently removed, and an excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying tissue to correct vision issues.
What Does Photorefractive Keratectomy Treat?
PRK is effective in treating several common refractive errors, including:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia): Improves distant vision by reshaping the cornea to reduce focusing issues.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Helps patients see better at close distances by adjusting the corneal curvature.
- Astigmatism: Corrects irregularities in the cornea that cause blurred or distorted vision.
This procedure is ideal for those who may not be candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas, dry eye, or other eye conditions. PRK is frequently chosen by individuals with active lifestyles or careers where corneal flap complications from LASIK could pose a risk.
Benefits of Photorefractive Keratectomy
PRK offers numerous benefits, including:
- No corneal flap: Reduces the risk of flap-related complications associated with LASIK.
- Long-term vision correction: Many patients achieve lasting vision improvement after PRK.
- Suitable for thin corneas: PRK is an alternative for those not eligible for LASIK due to corneal thickness.
- Effective for a range of refractive errors: Corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
- Improved eye safety for certain professions and activities: Ideal for athletes or individuals with careers with a high risk for
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Photorefractive Keratectomy
StatPearls
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eye trauma.
Who is a Candidate for Photorefractive Keratectomy?
Ideal candidates for PRK include individuals with:
- Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism
- Thin corneas or dry eye that make them ineligible for LASIK
- Good overall eye health without significant eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts
- Realistic expectations regarding the recovery time and outcomes
During an eye exam at our Reno, NV, location, our experienced eye doctors will assess your cornea, vision issues, and overall eye health to determine if PRK is the right option for you.
Preparing for Photorefractive Keratectomy
Before undergoing refractive surgery with PRK, patients will need to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at our state-of-the-art eye center. Our eye doctors will review your medical history, conduct detailed corneal mapping, and measure your refractive errors to ensure PRK is the best solution for your vision needs. If you wear contact lenses, you may be instructed to stop wearing them for a period before the procedure to ensure accurate measurements.
The Photorefractive Keratectomy Procedure
PRK is an outpatient procedure performed at our Reno, NV, eye center. It typically takes 15 to 30 minutes for both eyes. After numbing eye drops are applied, the outer epithelial layer of the cornea is gently removed. The excimer laser then
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Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
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reshapes
the underlying corneal tissue, correcting refractive errors. A bandage contact lens is placed over the eye to promote healing, and patients can go home the same day.
Photorefractive Keratectomy Recovery & Results
PRK recovery takes longer than LASIK due to the healing of the corneal surface. Most patients experience initial discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed eye drops. Vision may be blurry for the first few days, with improvements occurring gradually over a few weeks. Full visual clarity is typically achieved within three to six months. After recovery, many patients enjoy clearer vision without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
FAQs About Photorefractive Keratectomy
How long does PRK take to heal?
Full recovery can take several months, but most patients notice significant improvement within the first few weeks.
Is PRK painful?
The procedure itself is not painful due to
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Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Stanford Medicine
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numbing drops.
Some discomfort may be experienced during the healing process and can be managed with NSAID eye drops and pain medication as
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Photorefractive Keratectomy
StatPearls
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required.
Am I a good candidate for PRK if I have dry eye?
Yes, PRK may be a better option than LASIK for individuals with dry eye, as it doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap.
Who is not a candidate for PRK?
Some individuals may not be suitable candidates for PRK due to a higher risk of complications or reduced effectiveness. Factors that may disqualify someone from undergoing PRK include having cataracts, being diagnosed with glaucoma, external eye issues such as severe allergies or corneal inflammation, and a history of ocular herpes, among others. If any of these conditions apply, our doctors will likely recommend alternative treatments better suited to your situation. The best way to determine your candidacy for PRK is to schedule a consultation.
What are the long-term results of PRK?
PRK offers long-lasting results, with many patients enjoying clear vision for years after
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Long-term outcomes of photorefractive keratectomy for low to high myopia: 13 to 19 years of follow-up
Journal of Refractive Surgery
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surgery.
Schedule A Consultation for PRK Laser Vision Correction
At Nevada Eye Consultants, we are proud to offer the latest advancements in PRK surgery to help our patients achieve clear, long-term vision. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to determine if PRK is the right solution for your vision correction needs in Reno, Carson City, and surrounding Northern Nevada areas.
1 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)? https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk. Accessed October 20, 2024.
2 StatPearls. Photorefractive Keratectomy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549887/. Accessed October 23, 2024.
3 Cleveland Clinic. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk-eye-surgery. Accessed October 20, 2024.
4 Stanford Medicine. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK). https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-treatments/l/laser-vision-correction/procedures/prk.html. Accessed October 20, 2024.
5 StatPearls. Photorefractive Keratectomy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549887/. Accessed October 20, 2024.
6 Journal of Refractive Surgery. Long-term outcomes of photorefractive keratectomy for low to high myopia: 13 to 19 years of follow-up. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23659229/. Accessed October 20, 2024.
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