5 Things You May Not Know About PRK
PRK stands for photorefractive keratectomy. Like LASIK, it is a type of laser eye surgery that can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
There are several reasons why some people choose to undergo PRK rather than another form of laser eye surgery. If you’re considering permanent vision correction, it’s best to ensure that you know all your options.
Keep reading to learn five things you may not know about PRK!
1. It Gives You Almost Identical Results to LASIK
PRK is different from LASIK, but it produces results that are nearly the same. Both procedures aim to permanently correct a refractive error, allowing you to be able to reduce or eliminate the need for visual aids.
PRK has a very high success rate and is a very quick procedure. PRK can be your ticket to total visual freedom.
2. It Does Not Involve Creating a Flap
Both LASIK and PRK correct a refractive error by gently reshaping the cornea. However, when you get LASIK, your LASIK surgeon must create a thin flap on the surface of the cornea.
In order to access the deeper layers of the cornea, where the reshaping takes place, this flap is lifted and placed to the side during the procedure. With PRK, no flap is needed.
Instead, the top layer of the cornea is removed. With time, these cells will regenerate. After the reshaping is complete, a bandage is placed over the eye to protect it while it heals.
3. It’s Better for Dry Eye Patients
Since no flap is created with PRK, it can be better for patients with dry eyes. Dryness is a common side effect of LASIK because the formation of the flap can irritate the cornea.
If you already have a history of dry eye, this can make your symptoms worse. PRK is generally recommended for dry eye patients seeking a method of permanent vision correction.
That way, you can enjoy your new vision without having to deal with dryness.
4. It’s Better for Active Lifestyles
Do you have an active lifestyle? If your schedule is full of physical activities, whether for work, exercise, or leisure, PRK can be an ideal option for you.
With LASIK, it takes time for the corneal flap to heal. It is possible for the flap to become dislodged if you are partaking in lots of physical activities.
With PRK, you won’t have to worry about this potential complication.
5. If You Don’t Qualify for LASIK, You Can Still Qualify for PRK
Some people are told they are unable to qualify for LASIK due to the thinness of their corneas. If your corneas are too thin, it would be difficult for the LASIK surgeon to create the corneal flap needed.
That doesn’t mean you must be stuck wearing glasses or contacts forever, though. Even if you have thin corneas, you may still be a good candidate for PRK.
At Ginsberg Eye, we are proud to offer PRK as another method of permanent vision correction, making visual freedom accessible to more people.
Are you interested in putting away your glasses or contacts for good with PRK? Find out if you’re a good candidate for PRK by scheduling a consultation at Ginsberg Eye in Naples, FL, today!
