Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
The earliest type of Laser Eye Surgery to be performed in the United States was called PRK, which is known medically as Photorefractive Keratectomy. PRK has withstood the test of time and has proven to be to be a safe, effective and predictable method of Laser Eye Surgery for millions of eye care patients. Even today, for some patients, PRK is an excellent choice to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism.
PRK is a type of Laser Vision Correction procedure called “surface ablation”. With a “surface ablation” procedure such as PRK, the Excimer Laser energy that is used to reshape the surface of the cornea is applied to the surface of the cornea, beneath the epithelium, or “skin of the eye” rather than between the layers of the cornea. In order to apply the laser energy properly, it will be necessary for Drs. Larkin and Miller to first remove the outermost layer of the epithelium. While the procedure itself is painless, some patients may experience mild discomfort during the first day or so of the healing process. The laser application portion of the surgery for PRK is identical to that used for LASIK and other corneal laser eye surgery procedures. The main difference between the way PRK and LASIK are performed is that in PRK the epithelium is removed while in LASIK a flap of tissue is created. The corneal epithelium serves many functions including providing a smooth optical surface. Once the corneal epithelium is removed, it requires several days or more to heal. Most patients experience improved vision right away with PRK, but it takes a few weeks to achieve the best and clearest vision.
Drs. Larkin and Miller may recommend PRK as the Laser Vision Correction procedure of choice for certain patients, including those who have particularly thin corneas, those who actively participate in contact sports, and those in active military duty.
The Eye Center is conveniently located for patients wishing to learn about PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy, or any type of Laser Eye Surgery who are located near Denver, Aurora, Arvada, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Parker, Evergreen, Conifer, Pine, Wheat Ridge, Westminster, Englewood, Littleton, Sheridan, Cherry Hills Village, Northglenn, Broomfield and Greenwood Village. Please call us at 303.777.5455 to schedule your Free Consultation.
