PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a laser vision correction procedure performed by Dr. Brian at his office in Beverly Hills. The procedure involves gently moving the surface skin of the cornea and applying a laser to reshape the outer cornea.
PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery for vision correction. PRK preceded development of LASIK.
PRK does not require the creation of a flap; instead, a solution is applied to the eye and the laser is then applied to the surface of the cornea to reshape it. The surface skin heals over the treated area. The visual results of PRK are similar to LASIK; however, vision is typically slower to recover. This 5-10 minute procedure can treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Potential benefit is improved vision and potential risks are infection, inflammation and haze, among others. That is the reason that Dr. Brian and every staff member here are highly “detail-oriented” about each step of the process for every patient.
15 year-old PRK is very different than the modern-day PRK. Specialized drops and contact lenses are used postoperatively so the procedure is not typically painful in the way “old style” PRK was a decade ago.
If you had a cornea transplant and are experiencing vision problems from Astigmatism and other distortions, please click here to learn how you can be helped with Dr. Brian’s specialized PRK for cornea transplants.
Professional Basketball Player Rudy Gay discusses how PRK with Dr. Brian changed his career.
Be a “Fly on the Wall” and Watch Jessica, BWVI staff member, have PRK to Correct Nearsightedness
What to Expect During Your Evaluation for PRK
Your thorough consultation with Dr. Brian will ensure that you are a good candidate for PRK. This will include evaluating:
- Moisture level of eyes – evaluation for the risk of Dry Eye
- Cornea curvature – ensuring no early signs of degenerative changes
- Cornea thickness – ensuring your cornea is thick enough and safe to have PRK
- Pupil size – to determine risk for halos/glare during night-time driving postoperatively
| WHY PRK | POTENTIAL BENEFIT to PATIENT |
| Preferred for patients who are very apprehensive about LASIK | Less involved than LASIK |
| Preferred for patients with thin cornea thickness | Less depth of laser treatment than LASIK |
| Preferred for patients with previous RK(radial keratotomy) | Minimizes invasiveness for laser correction |
Recovering from PRK
Advancements in surgical techniques and technology have vastly improved the results and recovery time after PRK. Many of Dr. Brian’s patients are surprised at how quickly they recover vision after PRK and are able to return to their normal daily lifestyle.
What Happens Right After Your PRK Surgery
At the conclusion of your PRK procedure, a bandage contact lenses will be placed in your eyes to protect your healing corneas. Do not remove the lenses (Dr. Brian will do so).
Right after your procedure, you will relax in our recovery suite, where our team will keep an eye on you. General anesthesia is not used, so you will not feel tired or groggy. However, your vision will be blurry and/or hazy, and you will need a companion to drive you home and help you get into a comfortable resting position. We will provide a patch or shield to wear over your eyes to make the trip home a little more comfortable.
Most PRK patients spend the remainder of the day napping or resting their eyes. Dr. Brian encourages you to avoid any visual-intensive activities, such as watching long hours of television or working on a computer, during this time. Instead, you may choose to listen to an audiobook or podcast, or do some light reading.
Your eyes will likely feel slightly uncomfortable for a day or two. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary. If the discomfort persists or increases, please let our office know. Other common PRK aftereffects include dryness, burning, itching or the sensation that a foreign object is stuck in your eyes.
Dr. Brian will prescribe eye drops and provide you with instructions for using the drops. The medicine will help lubricate your eyes and prevent infection and other complications after surgery. Dr. Brian may also ask you to wear your eye shield when you sleep to avoid accidentally touching your eyes.
Things That Are Off-limits After PRK Surgery
Rubbing your eyes
Do your best to avoid rubbing or pressing on your eyes in the days immediately following PRK. If you get an eyelash or piece of debris stuck in your eye, use artificial tears to flush it out instead of your fingers.
Getting your eyes wet
You can bathe as soon as the day after your PRK procedure, but do not get water, soap or shampoo in your eyes. Refrain from swimming or going in hot tubs until Dr. Brian says it is safe.
Getting cosmetics or topical products in your eyes
It is also important that you take precautions to avoid getting makeup, lotion, hairspray or similar products in your eyes. These products can irritate or harm your eyes as your cornea’s epithelial cells regenerate.
Follow Up with Dr. Brian
Dr. Brian will follow up with you throughout your PRK recovery and monitor your healing eyes. He can recommend when to resume driving, going back to work and exercising. Normally PRK patients feel confident enough to get behind the wheel and go back to the office within a few days of surgery.
