Good eyesight is essential for enjoying every waking moment of life. If you have difficulties with your vision, it is vital to consult an eye specialist. The doctor can recommend the best treatment to correct your problem. It is possible to correct poor vision using options that range from lenses to eye surgery.

 

Photorefractive keratectomy is a type of laser eye surgery. It corrects refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. You can learn more about PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) eye surgery below.

 

PRK Eye Surgery

PRK is an outpatient laser eye surgery that treats refractive errors. A refractive error occurs when the eyes fail to bend light correctly, resulting in poor eyesight. Patients who get PRK surgery will be able to see well without glasses or contacts after the surgery.

The surgical procedure involves using a laser to alter the shape of the cornea. This helps improve light focusing on the retina and is ideal for diagnosing myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and technicians can perform the procedure.

Candidates for PRK Surgery

As with all types of surgery, PRK eye surgery is not for everyone. Some qualities make an individual a good candidate for the procedure. To qualify for the surgery, you need to have healthy eyes and a healthy cornea.

You need to be an adult over 18 years with realistic expectations about procedure outcomes. A good candidate should have a stable lens prescription that has not changed in two years.

Who Does Not Qualify for PRK?

Some individuals do not qualify for PRK eye surgery. Poor candidates are people with advanced glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, an eye infection or blepharitis, and scars in the eyes. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers do not qualify for PRK.

Others who fail to qualify are people with corneal diseases or injury or those with a refractive error that is changing. Those with health conditions that affect healing and uncontrolled diabetes may not qualify for PRK.

Preparing for PRK Surgery

There are things you need to do to prepare for PRK surgery. Before the procedure, the doctor will talk to you about what to expect during the surgery. During the appointment, you will learn what to do before and after surgery.

The eye surgeon will evaluate your medical history and conduct different eye tests. The tests help measure pupil size, the cornea, the refractive error, and the overall health of the eyes. The doctor will answer any questions you may have.

During the PRK Procedure

During the procedure, the eye surgeon will begin by numbing the eyes using eye drops. Next, they will place a holder in the eye to prevent blinking. The surgeon will remove the outer layer of the cornea before applying a laser to reshape the cornea.

The surgeon will administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops, steroid drops, and antibiotic drops. At the end of the surgery, a clear contact lens will reduce irritation as the eye heals. The procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes.

It is vital to rest and keep off strenuous physical activity soon after PRK surgery. Follow the surgeons’ instructions to ensure a quick recovery and positive results.

For more on what to expect before, during, and after PRK eye surgery, contact Sacramento Eye Consultants at our office in Sacramento or Lincoln, California. You can call (916) 915-0300 today to schedule an appointment.