PRK

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a surgical procedure that can correct refractive errors.

In general, PRK is most suited to people:

• Aged between 21 – 40
• With a prescription that has been stable for the past 12 months
• With thin or irregular corneas – PRK is most suited to people who are ineligible for LASIK, PresbyLASIK or SMILE® Pro, due to a thin or irregular corneal surface. This is because PRK maintains corneal integrity and vision correction is limited to the outer layers.

• PRK uses laser to remove the front layer of cells on the cornea known as the epithelium. Vision correction is limited to the outer layers of the cornea, which aids comfort during the recovery process and speeds up healing time.
• LASIK uses computer-guided light-pulse technology to create a thin flap of corneal tissue which is lifted to enable the cornea to be precisely re-shaped using a second laser. The flap is resettled on the corneal bed, allowing healing to begin immediately with no sutures required.
• PresbyLASIK is a type of Laser Vision Correction designed to correct presbyopia, an age related condition that makes it difficult to see objects up close. People aged 40 and older with presbyopia who are also short-sighted, far-sighted, or have astigmatism may be good candidates for PresbyLASIK. PresbyLASIK involves creating a thin flap on the surface of the cornea, usually with a femtosecond laser. The excimer laser is then used to reshape the corneal tissue to create a multifocal corneal surface. This reshaping allows light to be focused at different distances, addressing both short and far vision issues. Once the cornea has been reshaped, the flap is repositioned, and it heals naturally over time without the need for stitches.
• SMILE® Pro  is a fast, accurate, bladeless, one-step procedure. The surgeon creates a 3mm opening in the cornea then manually removes a precisely measured disc of corneal tissue (lenticule) through the incision.
• LASIK, PresbyLASIK, and SMILE® Pro offer a faster, more comfortable recovery than PRK, however they are not suitable for people with a thin or irregular corneal surface. The visual outcome following PRK is excellent and there is a lower incidence of ocular dryness (dry eye) which can occur with other procedures.

The entire PRK laser procedure takes just a few minutes for each eye, however you will be in the laser suite for around one hour.

While recovery time varies, most patients are able to return to work and continue regular daily activities after five days. Vision will gradually improve as your eyes heal after surgery, with a significant improvement noticeable in the first week, followed by further gradual improvement.

After PRK you may experience:

• Mild to severe pain in the first 48-72 hours after surgery
• A gritty, stingy sensation
• Excessive eye watering
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision during the first three to four days, becoming clearer by the end of the first week. Your vision may continue to improve for six months, depending on the healing process.

Upon discharge from the surgery, you will be given prescription eye drops, sleeping tablets and pain relief medication. Local anaesthetic eye drops will also be provided to relieve pain.

Most people are legally able to drive a car without glasses or contact lenses following recovery from PRK. You are required, by law, to attend the Roads and Maritime Service following surgery to have your licence endorsed for driving without spectacles or contact lenses if you meet the visual acuity criteria.

• Please do not drive immediately after your procedure – having had surgery and medication, you must wait until adequate vision returns. Your eye doctor will provide further advice.
• To protect your eyes, do not wash your hair for 24 hours after the procedure and avoid makeup, soap, shampoo and water in the eye for one week.
• Do not rub your eyes, swim or play contact sports for two weeks. Do not ski, surf, or undertake other intense physical activities where there is a chance of impact or falling for four weeks.