Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, otherwise known as PRK, is a laser eye surgery that is intended to correct your vision and reduce your need for corrective lenses. PRK was the most common refractive surgery until LASIK was developed. Unlike LASIK, PRK actually removes the epithelium as opposed to simply weakening it and folding it back which is done during LASIK.

PRK was first developed in the 1980′s but was not approved in the US until the 1990′s. Despite its late approval, PRK was already being used by many Americans in the 1980′s who choose to travel to other countries, including Canada, where the technology was already approved.

How The Surgery Works

PRK uses a type of laser called an excimer laser. This type of laser uses a cool, ultraviolet beam to remove small bits of tissue from the surface of the cornea to reshape it. If you reshape the cornea in the correct way, you are able to make the light become more focused in the eye, thereby allowing for clearer vision.

Almost all patients see their vision improve to 20/20 and can get rid of their glasses or contacts. For this reason, thousands of people have chosen to deal with the mild discomfort and irritation associated with PRK for a few days in order to see better for the rest of their lives.

When choosing to become a patient for PRK, there are some things to consider including:

  • Are you healthy enough for the surgery
  • Are you a good candidate, meaning will you see results
  • Have you found the right doctor for the surgery
  • Do you understand the risks associated with the surgery

Once you determine that PRK is something you are interested in you need to make sure you speak to your doctor about what the healing times are, what the surgery entails as well as how you need to care for your eyes while they heal. Though most normal healthy adults will be good candidates for the surgery, it is an elective procedure and like all surgery, it is your job to make sure you know the risks.

You Have a Choice

When you need a hospital for your eye care, we hope you will choose one in your community such as Otsego Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital Grayling and Cheboygan Memorial Hospital. These hospitals are here for your convenience and they support your community and ultimately you – please make them your first choice. When you keep your business local:  businesses benefit, jobs benefit, schools benefit and the entire community benefits. We support our community and we hope you will too.