The elective, outpatient procedure also takes only a few minutes to complete, making it an efficient surgery that is favored for its simple process. Most PRK patients are also less likely to experience Dry Eye Syndrome after undergoing the procedure as opposed to LASIK eye surgery where prescribed eye drops must be taken for two months following the surgery.
It can take longer to recover, and vision will not be restored as quickly compared to LASIK eye surgery. The epithelial cells are removed during the procedure, which often take longer to regrow. The regrowth process limits visibility for six weeks to two months. This can make it difficult to read, operate a vehicle, and use the computer during your post-op recovery time.
Although the cells can still regrow in just five days, vision will not be restored for several weeks. Once the flap is placed back down, the natural suction of your eye basically seals it, thus healing much quicker. With PRK, vision may worsen in the days following the procedure due to the cells that are missing. When the cells are missing, patients often experience a scratched feeling on the eye with a raw and painful effect that varies in severity per patient.
For those who are interested in having their vision repaired on both eyes, you may be advised to select two separate surgery dates; with only one eye operated on at a time, when undergoing PRK.
This way, you can still carry about your daily activities, relying upon your untreated eye while the first heals. Patients can also expect redness and an excess amount of tears. Instead, a laser shaves off layers of the cornea so another laser can reach the lens and shape it to correct vision.
Because this process is older and less time-consuming, PRK is typically less expensive than LASIK; however, it can still be costly because insurance is not likely to cover it. Fortunately, many surgeons and surgery centers offer financing and payment plans. It involves using a laser device to sculpt the cornea and correct vision.
The Excimer laser, one of the most widely used types of lasers for several kinds of eye surgery, was developed in the s, and it was modified for ophthalmic procedures in the s. However, the U. Food and Drug Administration did not officially approve this laser for use in PRK procedures until Numbing drops will be used in the eye, and you will be awake during the PRK procedure. An instrument will hold your eyelid open, and you may be asked to focus on a specific target while the laser works.
A bandage contact lens will be put over your eye afterward, to help the cornea heal, and you will wear this for three to four days. Unlike LASIK, the PRK operation mechanically removes surface cells from the cornea and then uses the Excimer laser to remove small amounts of tissue from the front of the cornea until the lens can be reached.
In addition to these complications and risks, RK patients often complain of dry eye, double or triple vision, fluctuations in vision quality, halos, glare, reduced indoor or night vision, and even depression. Studies have also shown that, over time, patients who have undergone RK to correct nearsightedness gradually shift toward farsightedness.
More than two million people went through this surgery in the United States and Canada alone, so RK complications tend to be common. Combined, these two types of refractive surgery often cause even more severe issues than RK alone. By using scleral lenses , we can help patients restore their vision.
Scleral lenses are large contact lenses that rest on the sclera the white of the eye and protect the cornea with a fluid-filled vault. At Miami Contact Lens Institute, we custom-make scleral lenses for each patient, fitting the lens to ensure the cornea is constantly hydrated and protected.
The fluid-filled tear reservoir helps compensate for irregularities on the surface of the cornea—including scars from RK incisions—thereby providing improved vision. Finally, because our lenses are permeable to oxygen, they are comfortable, leaving the patient with little to no irritation or sensation of having something in their eye.
If you have previously gone through RK surgery, scleral lenses might be able to help you manage your vision problems, protect your corneas, and promote more complete healing of your incisions. Wear comfortable clothing to your procedure. PRK takes 5 to 10 minutes per eye. You may be given local anesthesia or anesthetic eye drops in each eye.
You can expect to feel discomfort or pain for up to three days following PRK surgery. Over-the-counter pain medication is often sufficient for handling this discomfort. Your eyes may also feel irritated or watery.
Some people also see halos or bursts of light for days or weeks following PRK, especially at night. You may also experience corneal haze, a cloudy layer that can significantly obstruct vision, for a short period of time after surgery. Keeping your eyes closed may help with recovery and with your overall comfort level. The doctor may wish to see you the day after the procedure to assess the results and your comfort level. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of an eye infection, such as:.
Let your doctor know immediately if the bandage contact lens is dislodged or falls out. Initially, your vision may be better than it was before the procedure. It will, however, become somewhat blurry during the first few days of recuperation. Many people notice an improvement in vision when they have their bandage contact lenses removed. Keep cosmetics, soap, shampoo, and other substances out of your eyes for at least a week.
Ask your doctor when you can wash your face with soap or use shampoo. Your doctor may recommend taking some time off while your eyes heal. Talk to your doctor about driving, reading, and computer use. These types of activities will initially be difficult.
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