What is PRK Vision Correction?
Lasik is often what patients search as a vision correction option to safely eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. Photorefractive keratectomy or PRK laser eye surgery is sometimes better suited for certain patients.
am i a candidate for PRK laser eye surgery?
PRK corrects for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and age-related reading problems, however there is no flap created before the laser reshaping procedure.
Patients may be better suited for PRK than LASIK if they have:
- Thinner than average corneas
- A very high prescription
- Irregularities or scars on the surface of their eyes
- Had previous eye surgery including LASIK, PRK, RK, Cataract removal with lens implants
- High eye pressure
- Early stages of retinal problems
- Lifestyle or job requirements that involve danger or trauma to the eye (boxers, divers, military)
All Lasik vs. PRK Laser Eye Surgery
PRK is similar to LASIK in that an excimer laser is used to reshape the surface of your eyes. LASIK involves the creation of a thin flap of tissue using a microkeratome or a femtosecond laser (all-laser LASIK ). The excimer laser is then used to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and age-related reading problems.
PRK corrects for nearsightedness, farsightedness astigmatism, and age-related reading problems, however there is no flap created before the laser reshaping procedure.
Treatment Options for Myopia
Like most eye conditions, patients will generally rely on glasses or contact lenses, but over time, the progression MAY require a prescription revision. Glasses and contact lenses do a great job, but they also tend to be an inconvenience for most patients, so they prefer a more permanent approach like refractive surgery.
PRK Laser Eye Surgery Treatment
During the PRK procedure, Dr. Alexandra Chebil gently removes a very thin layer from the surface of the cornea. The Custom Wavefront laser then reshapes the cornea just as with LASIK.
Dr. Alexandra will then place protective contact lenses over the cornea for three to five days. You will be able to see after the procedure, although usually not well enough to drive for the first few days.
Benefits of Custom Wavefront PRK Vision Correction
The custom technology performed by Dr. Alexandra Chebil can obtain better than 20/20 vision for a large number of patients. This can result in better quality of night vision compared to standard treatments.
People with larger pupils are also treatable with this technology which reduces the chance of night time halos and glare.
Our unique tracking system with Iris Registration insures that the laser treatment is accurate even if you move during the procedure.
Custom Wavefront PRK will remove less tissue than LASIK, which means that patients with thinner than average corneas and high prescriptions may be safely treated. With any laser vision correction procedure, more Accuracy Means Better Results
PRK Laser Results vs. Lasik Results
Dr. Alexandra Chebil uses the same NASA inspired technology for LASIK and PRK. The majority of our patients see 20/20 or better after the procedure.
Both Lasik and the PRK procedure are considered extremely safe with long term proven results.
The main differences between the two procedures are the longer healing time and the number of post-op visits with the PRK option.
Is PRK Painful?
The PRK procedure is not uncomfortable since strong numbing drops are used. The entire procedure takes less than ten minutes. After PRK, you can expect mild to moderate discomfort for the first three to five days. Pain medication will be prescribed to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
PRK Laser Eye Surgery Recovery
You can probably return to work and drive around four days after PRK. Avoid dust and dirt for the first month. You can usually swim with your eyes open at one month after PRK.
You will need a driver after your procedure. You will most likely be able to drive four days after the PRK treatment.
What precautions should I take?
You will need to wear protective eye shields when sleeping for the first week so you don’t accidentally rub your eyes at night. You will also have drops that you need to use for the first month after PRK. Our staff will explain this during your free consultation.
What Follow-Up Care is included?
Dr. Alexandra Chebil will personally see you at each follow up visit for one year.
Will glasses or contact lenses still be required after PRK?
Our goal is to provide permanent correction of your vision. Depending on your visual requirements, glasses may be required for certain situations such as prolonged close vision or certain DMV requirements.
Will reading glasses be necessary after PRK?
PRK will not make your reading vision any worse than it normally would. Presbyopia is a normal change in the close vision that occurs around age forty. If you already wear reading glasses, then monovision may be an option.
Dr. Alexandra Chebil will discuss this with you during your free consultation.
What if I had previous eye surgery?
PRK is an excellent option for many patients who have had previous treatments such as LASIK, PRK, RK, Radial keratotomy or corneal transplants as long as they are otherwise good candidates for laser vision correction.
Free PRK Laser Vision Correction Evaluation
We invite you to come in for a free laser vision correction evaluation to see if PRK is a good option for you.
Technology changes rapidly and you may now be a good candidate even if you were not previously able to have the procedure done.
Dr. Alexandra Chebil and her dedicated staff will personally perform all the necessary testing to determine which procedure is best for you.
Your Free Laser Vision Correction Evaluation Includes:
- Fingerprint analysis of the surface of your eye using the iDesign Refractive Studio.
- Computerized testing of your prescription 100 times more accurately than what we could do in the past.
- Iris Capture to enable NASA inspired tracking of your eye during the laser procedure
- Pupil size to obtain the best quality of night vision
- Corneal topography to determine the presence of astigmatism and corneal irregularities.
- Eye pressure testing to rule out glaucoma
Your consultation will last approximately one hour.
Alexandra Chebil M.D. is a board certified ophthalmologist (F.R.C.S.C) in Newport Beach with over 70,000 laser vision correction surgeries performed. Her Orange County PRK laser vision correction patients enjoy their lives without the need for contact lenses and glasses.
Schedule your laser vision correction consultation in our private Newport Beach Lasik Center.
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