Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Dallas, Texas

PRK, an acronym for photorefractive keratectomy, was once the most common type of refractive surgery. Invented in the early 1980s, PRK was practiced in other countries for some time, but it was not until 1995 when the Food and Drug Administration first approved a laser for PRK.

Performed today with an excimer laser, PRK uses a cool ultraviolet light beam, accurately removing ("ablating") tiny pieces of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea. Reshaping the cornea helps light to focus better on the retina, which means clearer vision. Nearsighted and farsighted individuals benefit from PRK. Additionally, the excimer laser corrects astigmatism by smoothing an irregular corneal shape into a more normal, rounded shape.

Find Out If PRK Is Right for You

To determine if PRK is right for you, we will examine your eyes comprehensively to determine which type of vision correction is best. A device known as corneal topography photographs your eye and creates a corneal "map", highlighting the unique shape of your cornea so we can determine irregularities, steepness or flatness, and decide how much laser ablation is needed to help you achieve better vision. We will take this opportunity to learn about your medical history and current medical conditions, since some conditions may disqualify you for PRK. A healthy adult with a stable vision prescription is the best candidate for the procedure. Individuals who are pregnant or nursing, or have certain degenerative or autoimmune diseases may not qualify.

The PRK Procedure

PRK is a painless surgery performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery itself takes only about one minute, and you will be awake the entire time. In some cases, you may be given a mild sedative beforehand.

The procedure begins with anesthetizing your eye with special drops. Your eye is positioned directly under the laser and a device that helps to keep your eyelids open is placed over your eye. This is completely comfortable and very helpful.

The computer-controlled laser is set to suit your particular prescription. Individuals with higher prescriptions may find the surgery takes just a bit longer. You will focus on a target light while your eye is observed through a microscope. This is done to ensure your eye remains correctly positioned during the procedure. The laser then sends fast pulses of light to your cornea and the tissue is painlessly removed.

When the procedure is completed, you will rest for a while. When you are ready to go home, be sure to have a family member of friend available to drive you. We may prescribe medication to manage postoperative pain, but the mild discomfort or "scratchy” feeling is usually not bothersome enough to require medication. If you are planning to have your other eye done as well, this will likely take place in about a week, although it can sometimes be done on the same day.

You will probably feel well enough to go to work the day after the procedure. However, we advise resting a day or two, and caution you to avoid strenuous exercise for about a week. Strenuous exercise can traumatize the eye and affect the healing process. Most importantly, do not rub your eye as this could disrupt the epithelium and prevent proper healing. Most patients wear a special contact lens on the treated eye, will be given a prescription for antibiotic drops to be used for several days, and will apply anti-inflammatory drops for several weeks following the procedure.

PRK Results

Most patients can achieve 20/40 or 20/20 vision or better with PRK. Glasses or contact lenses may still be needed, especially for individuals with presbyopia, although the prescription will be quite a bit lower than before PRK.

Some complications rarely occur, including infection and night glare (starbursts or halos seen while driving).

Does PRK sound right for you? Find out for sure during your private, free vision consultation at The Carter Eye Center in Dallas, Texas.