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Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

What is PRK?

Considering corrective eye surgery? Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) might be for you! Let the expert eye doctors at Howerton Eye guide you on what PRK is, how it works, and what to expect after experiencing this treatment.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser-assisted vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea. Like with LASIK and several other vision corrections our eye doctors can perform, PRK removes material from the inner layers of the cornea to compensate for myopia, hyperopia, and other vision abnormalities. Where these laser procedures differ, typically, is in the way the outer layers of the cornea is treated. With PRK, the outer layer is completely removed (usually with the assistance of the laser itself), and then the eye is allowed to heal on its own.

After the Procedure

When the PRK vision correction procedure is complete, bandage contact lenses are placed on the eye(s), helping to shield the cornea from infection and foreign material while the outer layers of the cornea heal and reform. Vision is typically obstructed while the outer layer heals, and patients occasionally report haziness, spots, and other vision problems anywhere from the first few days to several months after the surgery.

Facts about PRK

Thanks to the evolution of eye technology, the PRK procedure only takes about 10 minutes, and PRK is considered generally as effective as LASIK when comparing vision correction at the six-month mark. Because the outer layer of the cornea is removed, there is a chance of scarring complications with PRK, but this is rare thanks to improved equipment. There is also the possibility of infection, so patients undergoing PRK need to take care to protect their eyes while in their recovery period. As mentioned, our eye doctors will use a bandage contact lens to help shield the cornea during this time. Full recovery from PRK may take a few days to several months.

Is PRK for Me?

If you’re looking to improve your vision and think PRK might be the right vision correction procedure for you, Howerton Eye has your back throughout the Austin, Southwest Austin, and Kyle, TX area. You can contact our practice online or by phone at 512-443-9715 to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled eye doctors today!