Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Photo-Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) ophthalmic surgery is used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.  PRK uses the Excimer laser to reshape the cornea, thus correcting the patient’s eyesight.

Treating nearsightedness involves removing tissue from the cornea, making it flatter.  To correct farsightedness, tissue is removed from the outside edges of the cornea, making the sides steeper.  Astigmatism is corrected by making the cornea round by removing tissue from certain places on the outside edge of the cornea.

On the day of your surgery, you will be scheduled to arrive at the surgery center one hour before your appointment time.  The surgery center staff will prepare you for the procedure by giving you a

sedative and cleaning around your eye.  You will receive drops and a local anesthetic for numbing the surgical site.  After your eye is numb, an eyelid holder will be inserted between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during surgery.

You will return home shortly after the surgery, and you will be instructed to relax.  You must have someone to drive you home after your procedure.   Your vision will be blurry for a few days, and you will probably experience some discomfort.  Eye drops and over the counter pain medication can minimize the discomfort.  Normal activities may be resumed within a day or two. Your vision will vary for up to six months.

Be sure to have all your questions answered by your ophthalmic specialist.  Serious complications from PRK are rare, so let your surgeon know of any discomfort which may occur after your procedure.