Do you always wear glasses? Or do you use contact lenses? Sometimes you wish you could be free from them and see the world clearly without any help, don't you? Today we are talking about a laser surgery method that can help you make such a dream come true. This is called PRK surgery. Let's take a simple look at this.
What is PRK?
Simply put, Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK, is a laser surgery procedure to correct your vision. It involves using a laser to slightly change the shape of the transparent, protective layer at the front of your eye, the cornea. Think of the cornea as a camera lens. When light enters the eye, it bends and focuses it onto the retina. So, by slightly changing the shape of the cornea, the way light is focused changes, and you can see clearly.
In fact, this method called PRK is the method that came before the LASIK surgery that many people talk about today. But the PRK method is still a very useful and popular treatment today. Especially in some cases where LASIK is not possible, PRK is the best solution.
What types of vision problems can be treated with PRK surgery?
PRK surgery can correct several major problems in our eyesight, which are caused by light not focusing properly on the retina (refractive error). Let's take a look at what they are.
| Refractive Error | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Nearsightedness / Myopia | Things that are close appear clear, but things that are far away appear blurry. |
| Farsightedness / Hyperopia | Seeing distant objects clearly, but seeing close objects (e.g., when reading a book) as blurry. |
| Astigmatism | Because the shape of the cornea is not perfectly spherical, vision at both near and far distances is blurred and distorted. |
| Presbyopia (nearsightedness) as you age | After the age of 40, the flexibility of the lens of the eye decreases, causing difficulty in seeing up close. |
How do you prepare before surgery?
There are several things your ophthalmologist can help you with before PRK surgery.
- A complete eye exam: This will check your vision and overall eye health. It will also check for any other medical conditions that might prevent you from having PRK.
- Corneal surface measurement: Special equipment is used to create a ``map`` of your cornea. These measurements are very important for laser treatment.
The most important thing is to have realistic expectations about the results. This is not magic. It is very important to talk openly with your doctor and get a clear understanding of what to expect after surgery.
What happens during the surgery?
PRK is an outpatient procedure. That means you can go home the same day. The entire procedure only takes about 5 to 15 minutes. You are awake during this time. But don't worry, you won't feel any pain . The doctor will put numbing drops in your eyes.
1. After your eyes are numb, your doctor will remove the thin layer of tissue on top of your cornea, called the epithelium. This will regrow in a few days.
2. Then, you are asked to look at a focused light from the laser machine. While you look, the laser can reshape the cornea very precisely.
3. The laser is activated while you look at the target. You cannot see the laser beam, but you can hear a small "ticking" sound from the machine. This laser removes the corneal tissue very carefully, without heating it.
4. Once the laser treatment is finished, the doctor will put a few more drops of medicine in the eye and put on a special `bandage contact lens` for protection. This will protect the eye until the removed layer of tissue grows back.
How should you take care of yourself after surgery?
You can go home after the surgery, but you need to take care of these things.
- Get plenty of rest: Get plenty of rest for the first few days. Avoid strenuous physical activity. It is best to avoid going to work or school for a few days until your doctor tells you to.
- Avoid driving: Do not drive for at least a few days after surgery.
- Use the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This is essential for best results.
- Wear sunglasses: Wear sunglasses whenever you go out during the day, until your doctor tells you to. This will prevent damage and scarring to the cornea from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
PRK or LASIK, which is better?
LASIK surgery is often popular because it involves less recovery time and less pain. However, for some people, PRK is a better option than LASIK. Let's take a look at why.
| PRK is best suited in these cases. | LASIK is best suited in these cases |
|---|---|
| If you have a problem with dry eyes . | If you want to recover quickly and get back to work. |
| If your cornea is thin , PRK is safer because it does not cut a flap of the cornea like in LASIK. | If you want to minimize pain and discomfort after surgery. |
| If you lead a highly active lifestyle, such as playing sports (there is a risk of the flap created during LASIK becoming dislodged in a serious accident). | If the thickness and shape of your cornea is suitable for LASIK. |
Remember one thing, there is no one-size-fits-all surgery. Your ophthalmologist is the only person who can help you choose the best option for you , taking into account factors such as the condition of your eyes and lifestyle.
How long does it take to heal?
Recovery after PRK surgery is a gradual process.
First 3 days
About an hour after the surgery, you may feel some pain and discomfort as the numbness wears off. Tearing of the eyes, light sensitivity, a feeling of sand in the eye, and blurred vision are common. This can be controlled with painkillers given by your doctor.
Days 4 and 5
By now, the cornea's outer layer (the `epithelium`) has completely regenerated. The discomfort has largely subsided, and your vision is starting to become a little clearer. The doctor will remove your `bandage contact lens` during these days.
After the 5th day
Your vision will gradually clear over the next few weeks. It may take a month or more for your vision to fully recover and stabilize. Some people may experience slight changes in their vision for up to 3-6 months.
When should you talk to the doctor?
If you experience the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
- Sudden loss of vision or extreme vision loss.
- The eye pain is increasing day by day, unbearable even with medication.
- Signs of an infection include eye swelling, excessive tearing, and redness.
Take-Home Message
- PRK is a safe and effective laser surgery procedure that can reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
- PRK is a great option for those who cannot undergo LASIK surgery, especially those with thin corneas or those who have dry eye problems.
- The recovery time after PRK surgery is longer than after LASIK, but the end results are almost the same for both.
- To achieve the best results, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions and medications exactly for the entire duration of your surgery.
- Before making any decisions, discuss your expectations and any questions you may have with your doctor to gain a clear understanding.
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