Laser Eye Surgery

PRK Eye Surgery

Mayo ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) who perform PRK eye surgery (photorefractive keratectomy) are specially trained in cornea surgery in addition to general ophthalmology. PRK eye surgery involves using an excimer laser to reshape the surface layers of the cornea to correct refractive errors. Cornea reshaping corrects the focus of light rays on the retina, enabling clear vision. It is a permanent change and reduces the need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

Procedure

The surgery usually lasts about 10 minutes. The surface cells (epithelium) of the cornea are removed and the underlying corneal layers are reshaped with a laser. The surface cells repair themselves, assisted by a contact lens worn as a bandage over the eye for two to five days after surgery.

You might experience eye pain and discomfort for two to four days until the cornea heals. Vision improves over the first week, although many patients notice fluctuations in their vision. You should expect good vision in two to three weeks.

Candidates

PRK and its variations (laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy, LASEK and epi-LASIK) can correct low to moderate levels of nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It is particularly effective in correcting nearsightedness.

Certain people with presbyopia (normal age-related loss of near vision) also may benefit from PRK eye surgery, although there are limitations. Presbyopic patients may still need reading glasses after LASIK for sharp near vision.

Advantages

PRK improves vision without having to rely on glasses or contact lenses. PRK is less invasive than LASIK surgery because only the surface of the cornea is modified, not underlying tissue.

Disadvantages

Patients undergoing PRK eye surgery experience more discomfort and a longer recovery period for reaching good vision in comparison to the LASIK procedure.

Read more about LASIK and PRK eye surgery at MayoClinic.com.