Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

(Correcting eyesight)

Home > Procedures > Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a procedure to correct vision. During a PRK, a laser is used to reshape the cornea in the eye.

Patient Advice

Overall Rating
6.3
average of all patients
Pain
Pain is 6.5 of 10
Inconvenience
Inconvenience is 6 of 10

About the rating

Preparation for Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK):
“Find a doctor who is highly recommended and makes you feel relaxed and confident.”

“Do not be afraid to ask questions; it helps to write your questions down in advance.”

“Be fully informed as to what is to take place.”

“This procedure was designed for people who have thin corneas or with eyes with unusual topographies or keratoconus (a steep oval instead of round shape to the eye). LASIK, which involves cutting a flap in the cornea, can be too traumatic for such eyes and cause complications. I am very happy I had this procedure despite the pain of the recovery.”

“Plan for alternative transportation: A potentially big inconvenience of the procedure is you can’t drive for about 10 days after it.”

After Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK):
“Report any pain or discomfort to the doctor or nurses. Do not hesitate to communicate.”

“Carefully follow the instructions as to appointments, medications and after-care.”

 

Patient Stories

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

A device was lowered directly onto my eyeball, which I did not feel at all, then the laser fired up and there was a weird sensation that wasn't at all painful. Like a pressure with a bright intense light in a background of blackness. Read More

Pam, female, 39, California

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

I started wearing glasses at seven, wore hard contacts at 18, then gas permeable lens for 25 years. At the age of 40 I switched to soft lenses. At age 53 with dry eyes -- I went back to glasses after having a detached retina and a sclera buckle. I then considered photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). After much consideration and research I decided to have it done because I hated wearing thick glasses. I also have mild blepharitis and astigmatism. Read More

Mary, female, 53, Colorado

 

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