• PRK

    Image of clear eye after PRK

PRK Eye Surgery in Plano, TX

Laser Vision Correction

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgeons have been performing PRK surgery for decades in order to correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness in patients. This is a refractive procedure for vision correction that came before LASIK eye surgery. It is still used today for patients who are not good candidates for LASIK but still want vision correction without the use of prescription lenses.

PRK surgery involves reshaping the cornea of the eye with an excimer laser. When your cornea is not shaped correctly, light that enters your eye through the cornea won’t be focused on the retina. With this vision correction procedure, your cornea will produce images that are in focus. PRK Plano Texas is a permanent solution for those who no longer want to rely on glasses or contact lenses.

How PRK Surgery Works to Restore Your Vision

PRK surgery is computer-driven laser surgery that reshapes your cornea. During the procedure, the patient receives drops to numb the eye. The laser removes a tiny layer of the cornea to reshape the cornea based on the patient’s refractive error. This is a precise procedure that is usually complete in less than one minute.

After PRK surgery, the patient will need to wear a contact lens on the eye being treated for about three to five days. Once the surface has healed, you will no longer have to wear the contact lens on the eye. You may not see perfectly right away, but most patients recover enough within a week or two to begin driving again. You will go to several follow up visits with your treatment provider as your epithelium heals and the bandages are removed. Your vision will slowly improve, and you can expect optimal results from PRK surgery within three months.

Facts about PRK Vision Correction

The most often observed side effects of this type of laser vision correction are scarring and healing of the cornea that is unpredictable. Results six months post-surgery for PRK surgery are similar to those seen in patients who get LASIK surgery instead. While there is also a risk of infection, this is a rare side effect. Patients who have thin corneas or large pupils are often recommended for PRK surgery vs. LASIK because of potential complications. This is a safe procedure and few complications are reported from post patients.

As a surgical procedure that has been around for decades, PRK surgery is an effective method to reduce or eliminate your dependence on corrective lenses. When you are tired of wearing contacts or glasses and you want better vision, it’s time to consider PRK. Your eyesight will improve and you will have a better peripheral vision. Whether you are trying to see better at night or trying to improve your athletic performance, PRK is an option for you to consider to receive the best eyesight possible.

Ask Our Ophthalmologist about PRK Surgery in Plano, TX

Learn more about the benefits of LASIK surgery by contacting Texas Eye Surgeons today and scheduling an appointment: (972) 379-3937.

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PRK FAQs

Answered by Dr. Ali, Eye Surgeon

Texas Eye Surgeon, Plano TX

Despite PRK surgery marking the beginning of laser eye surgery, not everyone understands PRK and is aware of its benefits. Not to mention, at Texas Eye Surgeons, serving the Plano TX region, we pride ourselves on providing patients with an optimal optometry experience. Additionally, we desire to educate our patients, so they know what the procedure is, how it’s performed and what to expect after. We enable our patients to make informed decisions about their eye care and help them to recover in the most efficient manner possible.

PRK is an acronym for photorefractive keratotomy. This particular procedure uses a laser to correct refractive vision issues.

If you’ve searched “PRK Plano Texas,” you probably have a vision issue and would like to know more about laser correction. You may benefit from PRK surgery if you have astigmatism, hyperopia or myopia. The procedure doesn’t fix presbyopia though; a vision issue that arises due to age.

Our eye doctor will use an excimer laser that reshapes the cornea, so light enters the eye and shines on the retina properly. Our optometrist will remove the epithelium, which is the thin outer layer of the cornea.

During a LASIK procedure, the epithelium is lifted but not removed. With PRK surgery, the optometrist will remove the flap completely, and then it’ll regenerate itself.

It takes our eye doctor about 10 minutes per eye to conduct PRK surgery.

Those who are ineligible for LASIK eye surgery may benefit from PRK. Those who have had LASIK in the past and require a second surgery may need PRK since those who’ve had LASIK have a thinner cornea. Anybody who has thin corneas or an issue that affects the cornea may benefit from PRK. You have no risk of flap complications with PRK. You’re also at a decreased risk of having too much cornea removed because the excimer laser doesn’t reach as deep. In the long run, PRK surgery will save you money due to the fact that contacts, glasses and eye exams can cost you hundreds each year for the rest of your life.

Generally, the results of PRK are comparable to LASIK. Many patients have 20/20 vision after PRK. A majority of patients have 20/40 or higher after the surgery. Although uncommon, some patients still require contacts or glasses after the surgery, but they’ll notice the strength of their prescription will decrease.

Every patient is different when it comes to their recovery time. Some patients see the total results a few days after the surgery while others take several weeks to experience the full results. The recovery time of PRK is greater than that of LASIK since patients must wait for the epithelium to regrow.

Initially, your vision may be cloudy or hazy. Because we remove the flap during PRK, you’re at an increased risk of infection.

This depends on your condition and if this is your first surgery or used to correct a previous surgery. At your consultation, we’ll discuss how much it’ll cost. Keep in mind, many insurance companies don’t cover any of the expenses or only a small portion because it’s not medically necessary.

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