PRK SURGERY IN IRELIA HEALTH
PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY (PRK)
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a type of refractive eye surgery designed to treat common vision problems such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Similar to LASIK surgery, PRK reshapes the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, to improve the way light is focused on the retina. The primary difference between PRK and LASIK is the method of reshaping the cornea and the approach to the surface layer of the cornea.
PRK is a well-established procedure and is especially suitable for patients with thin corneas, as it does not require the creation of a corneal flap, which is necessary in LASIK surgery. It is also an alternative for people who may not be candidates for LASIK due to other factors such as dry eye syndrome or specific corneal conditions.
How PRK Works:
PRK involves the use of an excimer laser to remove microscopic amounts of corneal tissue, reshaping the cornea to improve vision. The steps of the procedure are as follows:
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Preparation: The patient’s eye is numbed using topical anesthetic eye drops. A device is used to keep the eyelids open during the procedure.
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Removal of the Epithelium: Unlike LASIK, PRK does not create a flap in the cornea. Instead, the surgeon gently removes the outermost layer of the cornea, known as the epithelium. This layer will naturally regenerate over a few days after the surgery.
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Laser Reshaping of the Cornea: Once the epithelium is removed, an excimer laser is used to reshape the underlying corneal tissue. The laser is programmed to correct the specific refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) by removing precise amounts of corneal tissue.
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Post-Operative Care: After the laser reshaping is completed, the corneal epithelium is left to heal naturally. The surgeon may apply a bandage contact lens temporarily to protect the eye and promote healing while the epithelium regenerates.
The entire procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes per eye, and patients are usually awake throughout the process. The laser itself is painless, though patients may feel some mild discomfort from the removal of the epithelium.
Conditions Treated by PRK:
PRK is used to treat a variety of refractive vision problems, including:
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Nearsightedness (Myopia): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. PRK helps to flatten the cornea to reduce nearsightedness.
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Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty focusing on nearby objects. PRK can steepen the cornea to help focus light properly onto the retina.
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Astigmatism: Caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, PRK can smooth out the cornea to correct the distortion and improve vision.
Eligibility for PRK:
PRK is generally suitable for most patients who are seeking to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. However, there are specific factors that determine eligibility for the procedure:
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Age: The patient should typically be at least 18 years old, and vision should have stabilized for at least one year.
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Corneal Thickness: Since PRK does not involve creating a flap, patients with thinner corneas may be better suited for this procedure compared to LASIK.
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Stable Vision: Candidates should have a stable prescription, meaning their vision has not changed significantly in the past year.
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General Eye Health: The eyes should be healthy, with no signs of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or severe dry eye. Patients with certain medical conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders) may not be suitable candidates.
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Realistic Expectations: As with any surgery, candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes. While PRK is highly effective, it may not be suitable for those with extreme refractive errors or certain eye conditions.
Benefits of PRK Surgery:
PRK offers several advantages, particularly for certain individuals who may not be candidates for LASIK:
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No Corneal Flap: Since no corneal flap is created in PRK, it is a preferred choice for patients with thin corneas or those who are at higher risk of corneal complications.
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Safety for Active Lifestyles: PRK is ideal for individuals who engage in contact sports or activities where a flap may be at risk of being dislodged (e.g., due to trauma). The absence of a flap makes PRK a safer option for these individuals.
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Long-Term Vision Correction: Like LASIK, PRK provides long-term or permanent correction of refractive errors in many patients. Most patients experience significant improvement in vision and may no longer need corrective eyewear.
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Proven Track Record: PRK has been around for decades and has been proven effective in treating refractive errors, with a high success rate in providing lasting visual improvements.
Recovery and Aftercare:
Immediate Aftercare:
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Patients will be given protective bandage contact lenses after the surgery, which help promote healing and reduce discomfort. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops are prescribed to prevent infection and inflammation.
Post-Operative Pain:
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Pain and discomfort are common during the first few days. It is important for patients to rest and follow their eye surgeon’s instructions for pain management. Most patients report significant discomfort for the first 24-48 hours, but it gradually improves as healing progresses.
Vision Fluctuations:
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Vision may be blurry or hazy for the first week, and it can take several weeks for the vision to stabilize fully. It is not uncommon for patients to experience fluctuations in vision during this period.
Activity Restrictions:
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Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities, swimming, and rubbing their eyes during the first few weeks. They should also avoid exposure to dust, smoke, or irritants that could hinder the healing process.
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