Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of LASER refractive surgery available in Saluja Eye Care Center.

This kind of surgery uses a laser to treat vision problems caused by refractive errors. You have a refractive error when your eye does not refract (bend) light properly.

With PRK, your ophthalmologist uses a laser to change the shape of your cornea. This improves the way light rays are focused on the retina.

PRK is used to treat:

1. Myopia (nearsightedness),
2. Hyperopia (farsightedness) and
3. Astigmatism.

The goal of photorefractive keratectomy is to correct your refractive error to improve your vision. PRK may reduce your need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. In some cases, it may even allow you to do without them completely.

Should I Get PRK?

If you have dry eyes or thin corneas and want to have refractive surgery, PRK may be a good choice for you. This is because some other types of refractive surgery, such as LASIK, are not recommended if you have these conditions.

Also, if you have a very active lifestyle or job, PRK may be a better option for you than LASIK or similar procedures. This is because PRK does not involve cutting a flap in your cornea like LASIK and similar surgeries do. If you are highly active, you could accidentally dislodge a corneal flap, causing problems.

Some people who have certain lenses put in their eyes during cataract surgery may have PRK to fine-tune their vision.

To have PRK, you need to meet certain requirements:

1. You should be 18 years or older (ideally, over 21 years old, when vision is more likely to have stopped changing).
2. Your eye prescription should not have changed in the last year.
3. Your refractive error must be one that can be treated with PRK.
4. Your corneas need to be healthy, and your overall eye health must be generally good.
5. You need to have realistic expectations about what PRK can and cannot do for you.

Some people are not candidates for PRK. They include people with:

1. An unstable (changing) refractive error
2. Skin or other disease that can affect healing
3. A history of a lot of scarring
4. Corneal scars or disease
5. Advanced glaucoma
6. A cataract affecting vision
7. Uncontrolled diabetes
8. Pregnant or nursing women
9. History of certain eye infections

Your ophthalmologist can talk with you about other conditions that may keep you from having PRK.