What Is PRK?
Ophthalmology specialist Dr. Leslie Emmert-Buck recognizes the disappointment individuals may feel who aren't ideal candidates for LASIK so she performs multiple variations of laser eye surgery, for example, ASA (advanced surface ablation), also called PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), and LASIK, at her facility in Auburn Hills, MI. PRK was the first groundbreaking version of laser vision surgery and has granted perfect vision or better to a multitude of men and women internationally. It was conducted safely and effectively for about a decade before the invention of the LASIK and LASEK techniques. Thankfully, ophthalmologists still use PRK procedures often, especially for patients who don't have enough corneal tissue for LASIK. PRK and other laser eye surgery methods are all practiced to resolve or improve vision problems, like myopia and hyperopia, though PRK is performed a bit differently and requires a longer healing process. Most importantly, PRK offers results that compare to or even exceed those of other laser refractive surgeries. Reach out to our team at Capstone Vision & Aesthetics for a comprehensive consultation if you believe you may be a suitable candidate for PRK. Candidates for PRK are those who have reached ocular maturity between the ages of 18 and 45.
What Can I Expect From PRK?
The majority of PRK treatments can be conducted in about ten minutes. For certain cases, Dr. Emmert-Buck might recommend holding off a week or so between procedures for each eye. Before the surgery, an eye care professional will fully numb the eye with no-sting eye drops to create maximum comfort. After the eye is numb, a suction device will be situated over the eye to prevent blinking. The PRK technique is very similar to LASIK and LASEK for its first steps. The primary difference with this method is that no corneal flap is created. Rather, the epithelial tissue of the eye is totally removed and disposed of in order to reshape the underlying cornea.
What Is the Aftercare for PRK Corrective Surgery?
Following any laser eye surgery, like LASIK or PRK, clients should return to Capstone Vision & Aesthetics for important follow-ups. The first follow-up may be the next day. These appointments are key so we can monitor the recovery process, look for any unusual reactions, and help take care of any potential discomfort. Compared to LASIK and LASEK surgeries, PRK does have a longer recovery period and a slightly higher degree of discomfort, which can include sensitivity to light, feeling like there is sand in the eye, and intense dry eye. The majority of our clients wear protective bandage contacts continuously for 2 – 3 weeks. However, as soon as the eyes have thoroughly recovered, the vision improvements will be equal to or beyond those of other laser vision corrections. Typically, patients are able to return to their jobs and drive in about 7 – 10 days and have their complete vision corrected within 4 – 12 weeks.
What Are the Benefits of PRK?
An excellent alternative for those who may not be ideal candidates for other popular procedures, like LASIK, PRK might be the best choice for many seeking clearer vision. PRK offers many advantages to our Auburn Hills, MI clients looking to receive corrective vision treatment, such as:
Am I an Ideal Candidate for PRK?
PRK is usually performed on adults who want to get laser eye surgery but aren't ideal candidates for LASIK or LASEK. PRK might also be a better treatment for patients with specific eye diseases or for those who are more likely to incur injury to the eye as a result of hazardous working conditions or taking part in aggressive sports. Laser refractive surgery candidates have to be no less than 18 years of age to ensure their eyes are completely developed, and they need to have had a consistent vision prescription for one year. To be able to decide whether PRK is a good choice, we need to conduct an in-depth eye exam and talk about any previous or existing health conditions.
Dependable Vision Correction
Since it was the original approach to laser refractive surgery, PRK has been helping individuals with dependable vision correction for decades. For those who were previously disappointed that they weren't good candidates for LASIK, PRK may be the best answer. At Capstone Vision & Aesthetics, our fantastic team has happily provided sharp eyesight to many Auburn Hills, MI clients. Reach out to us to plan a consultation so Dr. Emmert-Buck can determine whether APRK is the ideal option for you.
ASA PRK is accessible to more patients, offering clearer vision with fewer restrictions compared to other procedures.
With a quick recovery process, most patients can return to their daily routines in just a few days.
Say goodbye to glasses and contacts—ASA PRK reduces dependence on corrective lenses by addressing vision issues directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
PRK is often recommended for patients who are not ideal candidates for LASIK due to having thinner corneas or other corneal irregularities. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap, which reduces the risk of certain complications such as flap dislocation. This makes it a safer option for patients with specific corneal conditions, though the recovery process may be slightly longer compared to LASIK.
PRK can effectively correct astigmatism by reshaping the cornea to improve its curvature. The laser used in PRK is precisely controlled to target specific areas of the cornea, smoothing out the irregularities that cause astigmatism. This results in clearer and more focused vision, reducing or even eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses to correct astigmatism.
The vision correction achieved through PRK is generally long-lasting and permanent. However, as with any vision correction surgery, your eyes can still change over time due to aging or other factors. This means that while most patients enjoy significantly improved vision for many years, some might eventually require glasses for activities like reading as they age.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for PRK?
PRK is usually performed on adults who want to get laser eye surgery but aren't ideal candidates for LASIK or LASEK. PRK might also be a better treatment for patients with specific eye diseases or for those who are more likely to incur injury to the eye as a result of hazardous working conditions or taking part in aggressive sports. Laser refractive surgery candidates have to be no less than 18 years of age to ensure their eyes are completely developed, and they need to have had a consistent vision prescription for one year. To be able to decide whether PRK is a good choice, we need to conduct an in-depth eye exam and talk about any previous or existing health conditions.
Dependable Vision Correction
Since it was the original approach to laser refractive surgery, PRK has been helping individuals with dependable vision correction for decades. For those who were previously disappointed that they weren't good candidates for LASIK, PRK may be the best answer. At Capstone Vision & Aesthetics, our fantastic team has happily provided sharp eyesight to many Auburn Hills, MI clients. Reach out to us to plan a consultation so Dr. Emmert-Buck can determine whether APRK is the ideal option for you.