What is the Success Rate of PRK Surgery?
April 21, 2020
When it comes to eye surgeries, LASIK surgery is the most well-known and practiced vision correction surgery that corrects myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. PRK Surgery – Photorefractive Keratectomy – is another laser-assisted procedure that is similar to LASIK, but is considered to be more effective and safer in the long term. The reason that it is considered safer is that it does not leave a flap in the cornea of the patient like LASIK, which can cause damage later on if the eye is injured in some way.
During the LASIK procedure, a small flap is created in the cornea to use the laser that alters its shape. Once the reshaping is successfully complete, that flap is set down as before. During PRK laser eye surgery, however, the entire topmost part of the cornea is fully removed to reshape it. With time, the topmost portion of the cornea grows back naturally.
Why should you select PRK Surgery over LASIK?
PRK Surgery has been around since before LASIK eye surgery in Calgary became mainstream due to its quick recovery. It has a long history of success, and once the initial recovery process is over, you can be assured that there will not be any complications since the topmost portion of the cornea that is removed during the surgery fully grows back without any trace. Due to the flap created during LASIK that lasts after the surgery, there is always a risk of complications. Therefore, LASIK is not recommended for anyone with a risk of eye injury, which does not relate to PRK.
What happens during PRK Surgery?
After your initial consultation and the discussion of your treatment plan, you will be given a topical anesthetic substance or numbing drops to reduce any discomfort. They will use a speculum that is placed over the eye to keep the eyelids open during the procedure, which is painless. Within about 30 seconds, your eye surgeon will fully remove the topmost layer of your cornea which is called the epithelium. The next step is using an excimer laser tool to fix and reshape the cornea, which may take up to 60 seconds. After that, the surgeon will use a special bandage that is similar to a regular contact lens that goes on top of the cornea until the removed tissue grows back.
The success rate of PRK
According to the FDA, the overall success of PRK is around 95%, which means that the high majority of patients who go through PRK experience a notable improvement in the quality of their vision. Out of them, close to 70% tend to achieve up to 20/20 vision, while 92% achieve 20/40 vision or better—the results achieved by PRK last long term with high patient satisfaction. The success rate of LASIK surgery is also similarly high, making PRK a good alternative for patients who are not eligible for LASIK surgeries due to risk factors.
Is PRK right for you?
PRK eye surgery is highly beneficial for patients with thin corneas or a higher prescription. LASIK is not recommended for patients who engage in contact sports or those with professions that have a high risk of eye injury – which makes PRK a great alternative. You can contact Clarity Laser Vision to learn if PRK eye surgery in Calgary is right for you. To maximize your safety and ensure you are a good candidate, we utilize a two-layered doctor analysis process. We will align the right technology with the right patient.