Photorefractive Keratectomy | Riverside Eye Specialists

What is Photorefractive Keratectomy?

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is designed to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea without creating a flap in the cornea. PRK is an outpatient surgery and takes approximately 5-15 minutes per eye to complete. Although some pressure sensation may be felt during PRK, the procedure is generally painless.

Before the procedure, anesthetic drops are used to numb your eye. During the procedure, an instrument holds your eyelid open and you are asked to focus on a target light. Your surgeon then removes the protective surface layer of the cornea (the corneal epithelium) and uses an excimer laser to apply computer-controlled pulses of light energy to reshape the cornea.

After PRK is completed, the surgeon either inserts a bandage contact lens or patches the eye closed for a few days. The corneal epithelium grows back over 3-4 days, and vision usually improves once the epithelium is healed.

In certain situations, special medications may be used during or after the surgery to reduce the risk of scar tissue formation. Your surgeon will further discuss the use of these medications with you prior to your surgery. The risk of pain, infection and corneal scarring is higher with PRK than with LASIK; however, the intraoperative risks of a flap complication are lessened with PRK because no corneal flap is created.

Benefits of Vision Correction Surgery

If successful, vision correction surgery can provide freedom from the limitations and hindrances of eyeglasses and contact lenses and allow you to:

Reduce the cost of eye wear.
Avoid problems associated with the long-term use of contact lenses.
Freedom from eye wear.

General Risks and Complications

Most patients are pleased with the results of vision correction surgery; however, like any surgical procedure, vision correction surgery is associated with potential risks and complications. It is very important that you consider the alternatives, risks, and benefits of vision correction surgery before deciding whether the surgery is right for you. Despite the best of care, complications and side effects may occur which could negatively impact your vision.

Our Location

You can find our practice near the historic downtown Riverside, California. If you have any trouble finding us, give us a call!
To request an appointment please call or text us at 951-686-4911.