PRK Laser eye Surgery
PRK (PhotoRefractive Keratectomy) is the first generation of laser vision correction which has been around since 1995. It is now often offered to patients who have thin corneas or who are not suitable for LASIK or SMILE.
We perform the latest TransPRK treatment onsite for the comfort and convenience of our patients. Our team of experienced surgeons and clinical staff will take time to clearly walk you through the procedure so you are fully prepared.
What is the difference between PRK and TransPRK?
TransPRK (Transepithelial PhotoRefractive Keratectomy) is a touch-free laser eye correction method. Unlike conventional PRK methods, with TransPRK the eye is not touched with any instrument.
In TransPRK, the SCHWIND AMARIS 750 laser removes the epithelium, without suction, flap, or blade, and without the use of alcohol. This touch-free procedure is non-invasive, safe, and gentle to the eye.
What is involved in the TransPRK procedure?
Before Surgery:
The cornea surface prior to surgery requiring correction.
Step 1:
Removal of the refractive component by excimer laser.
Step 2:
Removal of the epithelial component by excimer laser.
After Surgery:
The cornea regenerates with the correct refraction.
What are the benefits of PRK?
- Suitable for patients with thin corneas
- No flap created and therefore no risk of flap-related complications like detachment or displacement
- PRK only removes a small amount of the cornea and hence less corneal thickness is removed
- Simple 'no-touch' procedure using TranPRK
- Cost-effective when compared with LASIK or SMILE
- Read more about the benefits of PRK Laser Eye Surgery
Who is suitable for PRK Laser Eye Surgery?
- PRK treats short sightedness, long sightedness and astigmatism. It is also a good option for patients who have thin corneas who may not be suitable for SMILE or LASIK procedures.
What are the risks of PRK laser eye surgery?
Complications are rare but can occur. There are short and long-term side-effects with PRK that may include:
- Minor pain or irritation during recovery
- Foreign body sensation in the eye
- Dry eyes (less so than LASIK)
- Fluctuating vision during recovery
- Regression back to the original prescription
- Under or under-correction
- Haloes and starbursts around lights
- Glare sensitivity
- Infection (less so than LASIK)
Preparing for Surgery
What to expect for your PRK surgery
Prior to surgery
- Be prepared to be at the day facility half an hour before your surgery to ensure all paperwork has been finalised.
- It is important to have a friend or family member accompany you on the day to escort you home after the procedure.
- Wear comfortable, warm clothes as the laser room is set at a specific temperature and humidity to ensure ideal operating temperatures for the laser.
During the procedure
- When you come into the surgery room you will be positioned underneath the laser.
- The doctor will instil anaesthetic eye drops to provide a painless experience and a prop to hold your eyelids open to prevent blinking.
- During the procedure, you will be asked to focus on a flashing light. The laser performs a ‘no touch’ PRK removing both the epithelium and stroma in one step to achieve vision correction. The overall procedure is short with only a few minutes required for each eye.
Post-operative recovery
- After the laser treatment, the eye surgeon will place a contact lens on your eye which acts as a bandage that will assist with healing and comfort.
- Once the treatment is complete the eye surgeon will apply antibiotic and steroid drops which you will take home and apply as prescribed.
- You will then be escorted into a consulting room to run through the post-operative instructions. It is very important not to rub the eye after surgery as it can dislodge the contact lens and slow down the healing of the cornea.
- You will be given prescription eye drops and instructions on when to use them. You will be required to wear a plastic shield to protect your eye from rubbing whilst sleeping. It is very important to follow the instructions your eye surgeon advises and to also attend all your follow up appointments.
- During the healing period, you will experience discomfort, minor pain, grittiness, glare sensitivity and haloes around lights. This will progressively get better as the epithelium regenerates and it's very important to dedicate time to rest to allow for a quicker recovery.
- After 3 days, you will be required to come back to have the bandage contact lenses removed. After this, your eyes may feel very dry. This is part of the healing process. Our clinic will provide preservative-free lubricants for you to use as well. It is necessary to keep the eyes adequately lubricated after your treatment.
- Most patients are able to return to work after five days. But recovery time can vary from individual to individual. Your vision will gradually improve as your eyes heal after surgery. You will notice a significant improvement in the first week and a further gradual improvement after this.
Free Assessment Offer
We offer a free assessment to help you determine your suitability and treatment options for laser vision correction.