Questions and Answers About PRK
PRK (Photorefrective Keratectomy) is a laser vision correction surgery that gives results as good as those of LASIK.

CHICAGO, IL, April 30, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- What is PRK?

PRK (Photorefrective Keratectomy) is a laser vision correction surgery that gives results as good as those of LASIK. It is a quick procedure and is used for people who are not good candidates for LASIK. Your eye surgeon would do a thorough vision and eye health examination to determine whether PRK or LASIK would be best for you.

How does PRK compare to LASIK?
PRK uses the same laser and can be based on the same Wavefront diagnosis that people have for LASIK. The treatment strategy is the same as that of LASIK - to reshape the cornea so as to change the way it bends light entering the eyes. However, PRK requires no corneal flap as LASIK does, and is a good choice for anyone with thin corneas, severe nearsightedness, or large pupils.

How does PRK differ from LASIK?
Both PRK and LASIK do the vision correction beneath the corneal surface. That means that somehow, access must be gained for the laser to work on that lower layer (called the stroma). LASIK creates that access by making a thin flap of tissue, folding it back out of the way, and replacing it afterwards to heal up by itself.

PRK creates the access by removing surface tissue and allowing it to regrow after vision correction is done.

Do I qualify for PRK?
If you have been told that you are a poor LASIK candidate, PRK could be right for you. As part of a thorough eye exam, your eye surgeon will measure the thickness of your corneas and if they are too thin for LASIK, PRK would be safe. If you have nearsightedness greater than -10 D, a LASIK flap would be unsafe for you, so PRK, with no corneal flap, would be more appropriate.

Minimum requirements are that you should:

- Be over 18 years of age
- Have a history of farsightedness, nearsightedness or astigmatism
- Not have a disease or vision-related disorder which could reduce the success of the surgery or your ability to heal
- Have a good understanding of what to expect from your PRK surgery
- Have a strong desire to be free of glasses and contact lenses

The first step, if you would like permanent vision correction, is to schedule a consultation with a qualified eye surgeon who offers PRK as well as LASIK.

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