PRK|Stahl Vision|Eaton, OH

ABOUT PRK

PHOTOREFRACTIVE KERATECTOMY

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 in Dayton Ohio, to achieve high contrast vision and can be done with PRK.

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, Dr. Knowles, or Dr. Gillis 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.

TRUSTED FOR DECADES

PRK offers life-changing vision correction with long-term results and is an excellent option for patients with thin corneas, active lifestyles, or dry eyes.

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.

Healing Expectations with PRK

Slow Visual Recovery: Unlike LASIK, PRK healing takes more time because the surface layer of the cornea must regenerate naturally. Vision is often blurry for the first several days and gradually improves over the following weeks.
Early Discomfort: It’s normal to experience burning, tearing, light sensitivity, and a gritty sensation during the first 3–5 days after PRK. Your bandage contact lens, medications, and preservative-free artificial tears help keep you comfortable while the eyes heal.
Vision Continues to Improve Over Time: Most patients return to normal daily activities within about a week, but vision can continue sharpening for several weeks to months as the cornea fully smooths and stabilizes. Following your drop schedule and post-op instructions closely is very important for the best results.