What is PRK and how can it improve my vision?
Sunday, March 15th, 2020, 8:24 amAt Marion Eye Center and Optical, our doctors are dedicated to helping patients feel good about themselves while improving their vision health. While many patients who wear corrective prescription eyeglasses and contacts would like to eliminate them from their daily routine, not everyone is a proper candidate for laser eye surgery such as LASIK. In situations such as this, our vision experts may encourage patients to consider the benefits of photorefractive keratectomy or PRK, instead.
What is PRK?
PRK is a laser vision correction procedure similar to LASIK, but for those who do not qualify. LASIK treatment requires the doctor to create a flap in the cornea to treat the space underneath, but this can create complications for some patients. Instead, PRK eliminates the need to create a flap and instead uses the laser light on the surface of the cornea. This makes it a better procedure for some patients who may otherwise not qualify for LASIK treatment.
What occurs during PRK treatment?
The patient’s current prescription is used to determine how much corneal tissues needs to be addressed with the laser to improve their vision. Using an excimer laser device that offers pulses of UV light into the eye, a microscopic layer of the cornea is treated and reshaped for optimum vision.
Who is a candidate for PRK?
The patients who will benefit most from PRK surgery are those who have a lower amount of vision correction, including nearsightedness and farsightedness. This method is extremely safe and predictable in treating common refractive errors. Patients who are interested in vision correction using laser light are evaluated thoroughly to determine if they are better suited for traditional LASIK surgery or for PRK as an alternative. Costs and recovery time are similar between the two methods.
Connect with Marion Eye Center and Optical today
If you live in the areas of Illinois or Missouri and are interested in learning more about PRK for vision enhancement, contact one of our 36 locations throughout the area to request a consultation appointment. Our providers are here to help you with your vision and provide you with the services you desire for correction.
Category: Eye Care
