Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a procedure similar to LASIK that corrects farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism. PRK, also called advanced surface ablation (ASA), is a proven LASIK alternative. Patients who may be better candidates for ASA/PRK are:
ASA/PRK differs from LASIK in that initial recovery takes longer and there is a period of mild discomfort and blurry vision for approximately three to five days as the eyes heal. Cavanaugh Eye Center offers ASA/PRK for those patients where it is a safer choice. Long-term outcomes are similar between LASIK and ASA/PRK and the same excimer laser is used for both treatments. This allows patients optimal customization of their procedure. Like LASIK, both Wavefront Optimized and CONTOURA® custom treatment options are available for ASA/PRK patients.
Your first step is to schedule a refractive consultation appointment with Dr. Cavanaugh or Dr. Jaynes and one of our highly-trained surgical counselors. We at Cavanaugh Eye Center are among the most experienced PRK providers in the Kansas City metropolitan area. We can help you decide if ASA/PRK is right for you following a complete refractive consultation.
ASA/PRK is not for everyone, but if you are a good candidate, there are plenty of benefits. Here are a few reasons why Cavanaugh Eye Center provides this life-changing procedure:
Like LASIK, PRK reshapes the cornea to dramatically improve vision. The main difference between PRK and LASIK is how the cornea is accessed.
In LASIK, a hinged flap is created in the middle layer of the cornea and the flap is folded back to expose the corneal layers underneath, which are reshaped with the laser.
In PRK, no flap is created. Instead, the thin layer of protective skin that covers the cornea, called the epithelial layer, is gently removed. Then, an excimer laser—the same laser used in LASIK—is used to precisely and effectively reshape your cornea, giving you better vision.
Because the thin epithelial layer is removed altogether during PRK, it does take a few days to grow back, which makes the recovery time longer when compared to LASIK. During that time, approximately three to five days, many people report that they feel some discomfort similar to having a mild foreign body sensation. Preservative-free artificial tears, prescribed post-operative medications and pain relievers typically provide significant relief.
During ASA/PRK, your cornea is reshaped. Those changes are permanent. However, the lens, located in the back of the eye, undergoes its own changes as we age. This is called presbyopia, or “over 40 vision.” Presbyopia is the main reason most of us need reading glasses after a certain age. These changes are the beginning of what eventually becomes cataracts.
PRK does nothing to or for the lens of the eye. In fact, they are completely different structures found in different locations. Presbyopia will still likely cause vision changes as you get older, and you may eventually need a separate procedure for presbyopia, or even cataract surgery.
The good news is that ASA/PRK does nothing to hinder procedures that correct presbyopia or cataracts. It also does not affect any treatments for diseases of the eye, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration.
