PRK (Photorefractive Keratotomy)
is a surface laser treatment that is the forerunner
of LASIK. In PRK, a corneal flap is not created.
The top layer of cells are simply removed before
laser treatment is applied on the surface of the
cornea. Then a contact lens is placed on the eye
to allow the top layer of cells to completely
regenerate. The contact lens is removed in a few
days with sharp vision following soon thereafter.
However, fluctuations in vision are common and
complete recovery can take several weeks.
PRK is an excellent procedure with visual results
that parallel those of LASIK. However, PRK patients
tend to have more discomfort, slower recovery,
and more fluctuations in vision early on. In some
cases, patients with very thin corneas who are
not candidates for intraLASIK can enjoy amazing
vision with PRK.
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