Surface Laser Procedure – PRK

PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy) is a surface laser ablation procedure that permanently changes the shape of the cornea by reshaping it with the excimer laser.

The surgeon prepares the eye for treatment by removing the epithelium (a layer that covers the cornea) either mechanically, with a diluted alcohol solution, or with the excimer laser.  After the epithelium is prepared, the cornea can be reshaped to improve your eyesight.  A thin layer of corneal tissue is removed with the cool beam of light from the excimer laser.  The surgery is performed using topical anesthetic (drops on the eye).

The removal of thin layers of tissue causes the center of the cornea to flatten in the case of nearsightedness, steepen in the case of farsightedness, or become more rounded in the case of astigmatism thereby resulting in the desired/targeted changes to the focusing power of the cornea.

The surgery is then completed by placing a protective contact lens on the treated eye to make it more comfortable while it heals. During the healing process, new epithelium grows back over the treated area, usually in 3-5 days.