Treatment with PRK
The Laser Center for Vision Care offers the latest laser eye technologies available to ensure the best experience for all of our patients. UT Southwestern physicians work closely with each patient to determine the best treatment options for their needs. From exam to surgery to follow-up, patients receive care from the same doctor.
Results with PRK
PRK differs from LASIK because it reshapes the surface of the cornea without creating a flap of tissue. PRK has certain advantages over LASIK, such as:
- Less disturbance to the cornea, a benefit to people who have thin or abnormally curved corneas
- Less risk of dry eye, because corneal nerves recover faster than with LASIK
The potential risks include:
- Longer vision recovery time
- Longer overall recovery time, up to one week to return to work and other daily activities
- “Bandage” contact lens needed for four to five days as the top layer of the cornea grows back
- Potential need, over time, for eyeglasses to provide clear vision
What to Expect
Preparation
Our doctors begin by evaluating patients to ensure that they are good candidates for the PRK procedure. Patients who wear contact lenses usually need to stop wearing them and wear only glasses for several days or weeks, depending on the type of lens, before the evaluation and procedure.
In the evaluation, patients will have a complete eye exam to:
- Check for infections, inflammation, or other issues that affect eye health.
- Measure the cornea’s shape, thickness, and any irregularities.
- Map the details of each eye to determine the areas of corneal tissue to be removed.
On the day of the procedure, patients should:
- Arrange for someone to drive them home.
- Avoid wearing lotion, makeup, perfume, or similar substances on their face.
Procedure
The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes, with the entire appointment lasting about one hour including preparation and recovery. The appointment involves these steps:
- Patients can choose to take a medication such as Valium to help them relax.
- The doctor places numbing drops into the eyes and uses an instrument to hold the eyelids open.
- The doctor operates on one eye at a time, using laser equipment to remove only the topmost layer of the cornea, the epithelial layer.
- The patient looks at a specific point of light to keep the eye steady, and the doctor reshapes the cornea by removing tissue using a laser programmed with the patient’s eye measurements.
- At the end of the procedure, the doctor places a special contact lens over the eye to protect the cornea as it heals.
Recovery
Patients rest in the office for a short time, then a member of the care team does a brief check before patients leave. Patients can expect:
- Some itching, burning, or watering of the eyes that may last a few days
- Light sensitivity for a few days
- Discomfort, such as scratchiness or a feeling of something in the eye for a few days
- Blurry or hazy vision for up to two weeks
We typically recommend that patients:
- Take a nap or rest with their eyes closed for several hours just after the procedure.
- Take pain medication as necessary for discomfort.
- Wear eye shields while sleeping for several nights to prevent rubbing or pressure on the eyes.
- Do not rub the eyes for several weeks.
- Avoid using lotion, makeup, perfume, or similar substances for two to four weeks.
- Avoid swimming, hot tubs, or contact sports for several weeks.
- Contact us if they experience severe pain or other worsening symptoms.
Patients will have follow-up appointments usually one to two days after the procedure and regularly for several months.