PRK and LASEK

If you have corneal distortions, PRK or LASEK may be an excellent alternative to LASIK. Like LASIK, PRK and LASEK reshape your cornea to correct your vision.

However, the procedures differs from LASIK in several important ways:

• PRK and LASEK involves removing the surface cells on the cornea (the epithelium), instead of creating a corneal flap. In LASEK surgery, the surface epithelial cells are partially preserved until new cells grow back. In PRK surgery, the surface cells are removed to create a “clean slate” for new cells to grow back.
• PRK and LASEK are ideal if you have corneal distortions and do not qualify for LASIK
• You must wear protective contact lenses for several days or weeks after PRK or LASEK surgery
• Recovery can be longer after PRK and LASEK than after LASIK surgery

PRK and LASEK Procedure

Your surgeon starts by applying anesthetic eye drops to numb your eye. The cells on the surface of your cornea are removed to re-shape your cornea. After your cornea is corrected, your surgeon will cover your eye with a protective contact lens to help the surface cells grow back. The entire procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Recovery

After the procedure, your surgeon will inspect your eyes and review at-home care with you. Your eyes should heal quickly, but you’ll need to use special care to make sure they healing properly. We’ll schedule an appointment the day after your procedure to follow-up.

Results

Your eyes may be sore for a few days after surgery, but you will be able to resume normal activities within 3 days. You’ll see results in 1 to 2 weeks.

Like any surgery, PRK and LASEK have risks and varying results. Your surgeon will explain and discuss these with you and answer any questions you have before your procedure.