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ABOUT PRK

PRK, known medically as photorefractive keratectomy, is a type of laser eye surgery used for laser vision correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  PRK differs from LASIK in that it does not involve the creation of a corneal flap. PRK has a longer recovery versus LASIK eye surgery due to no flap being created, but is a better option for those with high prescriptions, thin corneas, or those likely to be hit in the eye (due to sports).

 

 By eliminating the flap creation step, the risk of flap complications is eliminated allowing for a very safe, very precise correction. CustomVision™  is a refinement in nomograms and wavefront laser eye surgery technology by Dr. Brian Stahl at Stahl Vision Dayton Ohio,  to achieve high contrast vision and can be done with PRK.

WHY PRK?

 

Some patients with thinner corneas, high prescriptions, or certain occupations may not be candidates for LASIK.  For these patients PRK may be the best option.

YOUR PRK PROCEDURE

 

On the day of your procedure, you’ll be given a small dose of Valium to help you relax. To prepare for the surgery, your technician will apply numbing drops to your eyes. Once these take effect, your surgeon will place a gentle eyelid holder, called a speculum, to keep you from blinking. Dr. Stahl or Dr. Knowles will then carefully remove the epithelium, a thin outer layer of your cornea. This allows the laser to precisely reshape your cornea with millions of laser pulses.

After the laser treatment, a clear contact lens will be placed on your eye to act as a protective bandage, promoting comfort and healing as your epithelium regenerates over the next three to five days. Mild discomfort during this healing period is normal and expected. The contact lens is usually removed at your one-week follow-up appointment. Although recovery takes longer than with LASIK, and vision improvement requires more patience, your final visual outcome will be just as excellent after three months.

 

 

PRK: 3 simple steps

  1. Your surgeon will begin by gently removing a thin layer of your cornea, known as the epithelium.

  2. The laser is then programmed to your eyes unique measurements, and begins to treat the surface of your eye. The laser treatment reshapes the cornea to make the necessary changes to correct your vision.

  3.  Your surgeon will then place a clear contact to work as a bandage on your eye. This is done to make it comfortable for you and to allow for optimal healing. This contact is typically removed at your one week appointment by your surgeon.

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