Photorefractive keratectomy

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of refractive surgery used to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction and is the predecessor to the popular LASIK procedure.

Procedure

PRK works by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser, allowing light entering the eye to be properly focused onto the retina for clear vision. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic eye drops and typically takes about 10 minutes. PRK recovery takes a bit longer than recovery from LASIK eye surgery because the outer layer of the cornea needs time to heal.

Effectiveness

PRK has been in use since the 1980s. Long-term studies have shown that PRK can be successfully used to correct even large amounts of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications. These may include infection, haze, slow healing time, regression, under correction or over correction, and more. It is important to discuss these potential risks with your ophthalmologist before the surgery.

See Also

• LASIK
• Refractive surgery
• Myopia
• Hyperopia
• Astigmatism

References

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  Photorefractive keratectomy procedure by Capt. David J. Tanzer

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  Pre-operative corneal topography examination before LASIK