PRK Surgery
What is PRK surgery?
PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy) is a type of laser refractive surgery
that is done to correct near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism.
In PRK surgery, the laser is used to remove superficial layers of the cornea
in a way that the refractive error of the patient is corrected.
What is the eligibility for the PRK Surgery?
Your eye care professional will check your refractive power, and corneal surface measurements which include corneal topography, and based on this your
eligibility for the PRK procedure is decided. It is a very safe procedure and many patients who have less corneal thickness and are not eligible for other
laser refractive surgeries like LASIK and SMILE might be eligible for PRK. A stable refraction for almost 1 year before surgery is advisable.
Also Read: What are Refractive errors?
What is the Surgical Procedure for the PRK Surgery?
1) Anaesthetics and antibiotics eye drops are instilled in the eyes a few minutes before surgery.
2) The patient is made to lie down and the area around the eye is cleaned with betadine solution and draped in a sterile condition.
3) The patient is advised to continuously look at the red light that will be coming from the machine.
4) Excimer laser is used to remove the anterior layers of the cornea.
5) Removal of anterior layers will correct the refraction of the patient.
6) The patient might develop mild redness of eyes post surgery which is normal and will improve with time
What are the precautions and Post-operative care for the PRK Surgery?
1) The visual recovery in PRK is slightly slower than in other laser refractive procedures.
2) They are advised to avoid exposure to water, dust, and foreign bodies in the operated eyes. The patient is advised to take a head bath for 1 week post-surgery.
3) Appropriate medications will be advised which have to be used by the patient.
4) The patient will be seen in the hospital for 1 day, 3 days, and 1 week and monthly post-surgery.
5) BCL will be placed post-surgery and it will be removed on 3rd postoperative day.
6) Regular follow-up is very important in post-PRK patients, especially at the 2nd and 3rd-month post-surgery.
What are the complications of PRK Surgery?
1) Infection
2) Dryness of eyes
3) Glare
4) PRK haze etc