A New Vision: Exploring the PRK Surgery

May 15, 2023

An eye surgery involving laser rays used to correct refractive defects and hence improve vision is PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). Refractive errors include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. You may seek PRK surgery in one or both eyes, depending on your needs. 

PRK and LASIK surgery are identical, but the former emerged as a viable medical treatment first. Each procedure functions by reshaping the cornea, the clear front section of the eye. Some people are suitable for both PRK and LASIK, as they improve the eye’s ability to focus.

Others are better suited to either one. Before determining which operation is best for you, it’s critical to understand the PRK technique in depth and how it differs from LASIK. It’s what you need to know if you’re ready to ditch your glasses or contacts.

The PRK Procedure

Pre-Surgery 

You will have a preoperative visit to get your eyes examined and your vision checked. During the pre-op appointment, the corneal shape will be mapped by measuring the refractive error in each eye. This information will be programmed into the laser that will be utilized during your PRK eye surgery near you. 

The Day of Surgery 

PRK takes between 5 and 10 minutes for each eye. This procedure does not necessitate general anesthesia. A local anesthetic injection of anesthetic eye drops in each eye may be administered. 

Throughout the procedure: 

• To prevent you from blinking, an eyelid holder will be placed on each eye. Next, get ready to get your corneal surface cells removed and discarded by the surgeon. It can be accomplished using a laser, blade, alcohol solution, or brush. 
• Using a pulsing beam of ultraviolet light, the laser programmed with your eye measurements will alter each cornea. 
• During this process, you may hear a sequence of beeps. As a bandage, a clear, non-prescription contact lens will be placed on each eye. 
• It will keep your eyes clean and prevent infection as you heal. The bandaged contact lenses will be in place for many days to a week.

Post PRK Recovery

After getting eye surgery in Calgary, you will relax at the clinic before returning home. Other than relaxing, don’t plan anything else for that day. Keeping your eyes closed may aid in your healing and general comfort. 

Do not massage your eyes or remove the contacts that are covering them. For at least a week, keep cosmetics, soap, shampoo, and other things away from your eyes. It is a good idea to use protective eyewear for several months to avoid getting dust or dirt in your eyes. 

Driving should be avoided until your vision is clear, especially at night. For at least a week, avoid getting sweat in your eyes, as this may irritate you. For at least one month, refrain from participating in contact sports other than swimming and other water sports or any other activity that can potentially harm your eyes. 

Side Effects of PRK

Patients may experience some side effects upon undergoing PRK eye surgery in Calgary. Like with any medical procedure, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this particular treatment:

• Irreparable vision loss with glasses or contact lenses.
• Permanent changes to night vision brightness and halos.
• Dual vision. 
• Blurred vision.
• Irritated or watery eyes.
• Sensitive eyes to light.
• The effects of severe or permanent dry eyes. 
• Impacts deteriorate over time, particularly in older and farsighted patients. 

PRK vs LASIK

Both PRK and LASIK were developed to address refractive vision issues by reshaping the cornea. Both procedures include lasers and take roughly the same amount of time to complete. Prior to reshaping the cornea with PRK, the eye surgeons in Calgary remove and discard the cornea’s outer epithelial layer, leaving the eye bare. 

This layer regenerates and regrows throughout time. LASIK involves the surgeon creating a flap from the epithelial layer and moving it out of the way to reshape the cornea beneath. A bladeless laser is typically used to create the flap. 

It remains attached to the cornea and is replaced when the treatment is finished. It would be best if you had enough corneal tissue to produce this flap in order to be eligible for LASIK surgery. As a result, LASIK may not be appropriate for those with very impaired vision or thin corneas. 

In addition, the methods differ in terms of recovery time and adverse effects. PRK recovery and vision stabilization are slower than with LASIK surgery. People who have PRK should also expect to have higher levels of discomfort and adverse effects, such as corneal haze. 

Lastly, do remember: Both methods have equal success rates.

Looking to Acquire More Information? We Can Help

Clarity Laser Vision is an established ophthalmology practice in Calgary that is well-known for its high-quality service. Our clinic is home to a team of extremely skilled eye doctors and surgeons who are here to aid you with all your needs. If you need to schedule a consultation with us, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or visit our office today!