About PRK Eye Surgery

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved PRK laser surgery in 1995; however, the procedure had been performed outside the United States on a regular basis. Those living in America soon discovered this and crossed the border into Canada to have the procedure before it was made available in the United States. The surgery utilizes an excimer laser, which transmits an ultraviolet light in the form of a cool beam that removes tiny tissue particles from the surface of the cornea. This reshapes the area but does not create a corneal flap.

Near-sighted patients have corneas that are too steep and have too much power, PRK flattens this part of the eye. Similarly farsighted patients have flat corneas, therefore the surgery steepens that area of the eye. Excimer laser can also correct astigmatisms, and during this process the irregular cornea is smoothed out to create a normal shape. Regardless of the vision problem, this procedure enables the cornea to precisely focus light into the retina of the eye, which ultimately leads to improved vision.

After the surgery, a bandage contact lens is used to cover the cornea. After 2-3 days, new epithelial cell growth begins and the cover can then be removed. No corneal flap is made during this procedure so there are no complications or risks in that regard. It is for this reason this surgery is popular with who who engage in activities that could potentially result in injuries to the eye, such as boxers or martial artists. In addition, those who do not qualify for LASIK surgery because their corneas are too thin, can opt for PRK instead.

Both PRK and LASIK affect the strength of the cornea. PRK is associated with more discomfort than Lasik, as well as and a longer visual recovery period. This is because the epithelium, the top layer of the cornea which is full of nerve endings is removed.  Right after having a PRK procedure patients also have a greater risk for eye infection risk or permanent or temporary haziness of the cornea.

PRK has been performed for many years on those in the military. The United States Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force grants waivers for those who have had PRK surgery. Those who have had the procedure may also be waived for a Military Free Fall course, Special Forces Qualification and Combat Diving Qualification. The Navy has even begun providing complimentary Photorefractive keratectomy surgery to Naval Academy midshipmen.