LIST OF SERVICES & PROCEDURES

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a surgical procedure performed with the Excimer laser. The goal of PRK is to reduce or eliminate nearsightedness or myopia, and astigmatism. The laser procedure has also been used to correct low amounts of farsightedness, or hyperopia, but this correction is not as effective. In PRK, the laser is preset to vaporize portions of tissue on the surface of the cornea, the window of the eye. The pattern and amount of tissue removal determines the amount of glasses prescription corrected.

The FDA has approved PRK to correct myopia from about -1.00 to -6.00 diopters. Areas of tissue which are removed cause the cornea to flatten in those same areas, reducing the prescription required to see clearly.

The goal of photorefractive keratectomy, like other refractive surgery procedures, is to allow better functioning for most activities without glasses or contact lenses. This does not necessarily mean "20/20 vision". PRK may not provide "perfect vision without glasses." It can, however, provide more freedom for today's occupations and lifestyles.

Even though this family of lasers is considered the latest technology, it does not necessarily mean that this is the best procedure for your eyes. This procedure can be combined with ALK (automated lamellar keratoplasty) to correct larger amounts of nearsightedness and LASIK.

Postoperatively, results have shown PRK to cause more discomfort and inflammation than other procedures. In addition, there may be a haze in the cornea which can take weeks to months to go away. Haze can also appear once steroids have been stopped. Vision usually fluctuates for a few weeks, and may take months to improve to the best result.

As with other types of refractive surgery for the eye, there are risks such as undercorrection, overcorrection, inflammation, infection, and even loss of vision. Although these risks are unlikely, they need to be a part of your decision and discussion with your eye surgeon. As with other refractive surgery procedures, you are awake during the procedure (ie. LASIK), and you can go home immediately after.

For more information on the services and procedures we provide, please select from the list below.

Cataract Care
Computers and Eye Strain
Contact Lens
Corneal Transplants
Diabetic Eye Disease
Eyeglasses
Floaters & Flashers
General Eye Exams
Glaucoma Treatment & Surgery
Laser for Vision Correction
Learning Disabilities & Vision
Low Vision Rehabilitation
Macular Degeneration
Myopia
No Stitch Cataract Surgery
Pediatric Eye Care
PRK/ALK/LASIK
Ptosis
Retina & Vitreous Surgery
Strabismus