PRK

Your doctor will begin with a complete medical history. He/she may also give you specific instructions preparing for surgery.

If you wear contact lenses, you’ll be asked to stop wearing them for a certain period of time before you go in for your initial consultation and examination in which additional visits may be necessary. This time period is different for both hard and soft lenses. Ask your doctor about this before you schedule your first screening.

Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the surgery, and ask about the results of the doctor’s recent PRK patients. Also ask for, and follow up on, patient references. You should discuss your goals, budget, and pain tolerance with your doctor in order to help him/her determine the procedure, or combination of procedures, that will produce the best results for you.

Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask your eye care specialist below.

In PRK eye surgery, an excimer laser is used to reshape and change the curvature of the cornea Depending on the type of correction needed, the laser either reduces the thickness of the cornea and/or changes the way it slopes in order to allow light to focus correctly on the retina. The laser can perform its function without destroying or harming any of the surrounding cells.

After the surgery, doctors apply a protective contact lens to the eye. The lens allows the eyes to heal quickly. These lenses are normally removed about 3-5 days following the procedure.

Your physician will instruct you on the most appropriate post-operative care for you. You should be able to return to everyday activities within 2-5 days after the operation. Consult with your physician about driving, swimming, and jacuzzi activity. No make for a period of time is also recommended. Your doctor will prescribe special eye drops in order to prevent infection and inflammation. You should avoid sports and any other activities that may cause injury or sweat to run down into the eyes for at least 2 weeks following PRK surgery. We recommend you follow all post-operative care regime prescribed by your physician.

Short-term side effects can include sensitivity to light and visual distortions such as fuzziness or halos in the visual field. These should disappear when the eye is completely healed. Most patients are pleased with the outcome. Recovery time can be approximately 3 months, however, 90% of healing is complete within the first 3 to 4 weeks.It is common for patients to achieve 20/20 vision after the procedure, and about 93 - 98% of PRK patients will no longer need glasses for daily activities such as driving.

• Knowledgeable about the procedure
• In good physical and psychological health
• Willing to follow directions for optimal results
• Desire to improve their vision
• Realistic in their expectations and understand the risks and benefits.
• Patient whose corneal curvature and thickness doesn’t allow them to have LASIK.

If you are considering surgery to repair your vision, talk to your doctor about each of these alternatives and to determine the method that will work best for you.

However, individuals with more severe sight impairment should expect less from the surgery. PRK will still be able to improve vision, but not necessarily perfect it.

If you are seriously considering either LASIK< or PRK eye surgery, you should be aware of the benefits of each. LASIK is generally a faster recovering procedure, able to correct more severe vision problems. Pain is usually minimal and recovery time is normally very quick. PRK is associated with a longer healing time and discomfort may continue for a number of days after the surgery. However, PRK may be the appropriate choice for patients with very flat or very steep corneal curvature; such individuals may prove to be poor candidates for LASIK. Discuss options with your doctor to determine whether LASIK or PRK is best for you.

1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
2. Where will the surgery be performed? How long will the procedure take?
3. How much will my vision improve?
4. What is the range of possible results in my particular case?
5. Would another procedure, such as LASIK or radial/astigmatic keratotomy work better for me?
6. Are there other procedures that I should consider to enhance the affects of this procedure?
7. What kind of anesthesia is used?
8. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
9. What percentage of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
10. Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
11. May I have the names and contact information for several recent PRK patients? (Follow up to get first-hand information on the procedure and the surgeon.)
12. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
13. What should I expect post-operatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
14. Who will be assisting during the surgery? What are their qualifications? (Does the eye doctor perform the entire surgery?)
15. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, or suspended?
16. Do you offer patient financing?

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
• Tell your doctor if you have any serious medical condition(s).
• Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription), including such natural remedies as Echinacea and St. John’s Wort.
• Be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke. Smoking can lead to complications and poor healing.
• Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and help you for a few days afterward, if needed.

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.

• The art of Choosing an Eye Care Specialist
• Questions for your eye doctor

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