• Questions About PRK

    What Is PRK?

    PRK is a laser surgical procedure that reshapes your cornea to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. For several years, PRK was the only vision correction option available. Despite a surge in LASIK popularity, PRK remains a good option for many of our Kanas City, Missouri patients.

    How Is PRK Performed?

    PRK is performed with a laser that reshapes your stroma, the inner area of your cornea. To access the stroma in a PRK procedure, the epithelium, or top layer of your cornea, must first be removed. Following your surgery, your epithelial cells will grow back on their own.

    What is the Difference Between PRK and LASIK?

    Both PRK and LASIK are used to reshape the stroma. With LASIK, the stroma is accessed through a small flap created in the epithelium. With PRK, the epithelium is removed. This can make recovery times for PRK slightly longer, but the success rate of PRK is similar to LASIK.

    Why Would I Consider PRK Over LASIK?

    To be a candidate for LASIK, you need a specific corneal thickness. PRK is an ideal alternative for patients who have thin corneas or who have larger pupils. For over 20 years, PRK has been used to provide men and women with eyesight of 20/20 or better. It is simply a better solution for some of our patients. This is determined by our doctors on a patient-by-patient basis.

    How Long Does it Take to Recover from PRK?

    Recovery after PRK will depend on factors including your body’s natural ability to heal and how well you follow your eye surgeon’s post-operative advice. In most cases, initial recovery takes four to seven days. Keeping your eyes closed as much as possible and wearing sunglasses during this time will help reduce excess strain on your eyes.

    You should be able to resume normal activities within 24 hours, but our doctors may recommend avoiding more strenuous activities for up to two weeks. Clear vision is often immediate, but final results may take a few months to become fully apparent.

    If you live in or around Kansas City, Missouri and have questions about PRK, please contact Silverstein Eye Centers to schedule an initial consultation with one of our eye surgeons today.

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