What is PRK?

PRK, the acronym for 'photorefractive keratectomy', was once the most common procedure under the 'refractive surgery' umbrella that includes PRK, radial keratotomy, , and corneal implants. Refractive surgery corrects visual acuity to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contacts.

PRK was invented in the early 1980s and approved by the FDA in 1995. PRK reshapes the cornea to more precisely focus light into the eye and onto the retina for clearer vision. Using an excimer laser, PRK shapes the cornea with a cool ultraviolet light beam, removing miniscule bits of tissue (called ablation) from the cornea's surface to achieve its goal. Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism can all be corrected with PRK, the surgeon's procedure of choice for individuals with larger pupils or thin corneas.

Is PRK Right for Me?

When you visit for an examination, your eyes are examined to establish the type of vision correction and amount of ablation you need. Your doctor photographs your eye with a corneal topographer, 'mapping' your cornea to display irregularities and any steepness or flatness PRK will address to correct your vision.

What is the Surgery Like?

The PRK procedure itself is simple and quick. The actual surgery takes less than one minute, but there is some preparation time. You will awake for the procedure. You may be given a mild sedative, although it is rare to feel pain. Your doctor will anesthetize your eyes with drops, then you will lie down and your eye will be positioned perfectly under the laser. A special device holds your eye open and still. When your eye is perfectly positioned, the laser will painlessly remove corneal tissue with pulses of light. Your surgeon controls the laser throughout the surgery, and can turn it off if needed.

When your procedure is over, you'll rest for a bit. Your surgeon may wait briefly before completing the procedure on your second eye. You may receive medication afterwards, but for most people, a brief 'scratchy' sensation is the only after-effect.