PRK in Los Angeles

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Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) was the first laser vision correction surgery method approved by the FDA in 1995. As with all laser refractive surgeries, vision correction is achieved by changing the shape of the cornea.

While proven safe, PRK is now mostly replaced by other refractive procedures such as LASIK, SMILE, and ICL. However, it is still the preferred method of vision correction for certain military branches and can be a good option for people with a low prescription. Finally, PRK is sometimes performed as a follow-up surgery to LASIK done many years ago.

Procedures

Bladeless Wavefront
LASIK

Small Incision Lenticule
Extraction (SMILE)

Implantable Collamer
Lens (EVO ICL)

Refractive Cataract
Surgery

Refractive Lens
Exchange (RLE)

Contoura
LASIK (T-CAT)

Photorefractive
Keratectomy (PRK)

Corneal Collagen
Cross-Linking (CXL)

FAQ

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In PRK or photorefractive keratectomy, a laser is used to correct vision by reshaping the cornea. However, unlike LASIK, a corneal flap is not made. Due to the longer recovery time and discomfort, PRK has been largely replaced by other forms of vision correction surgery such as SMILE or ICL. However, PRK can still be a good option for some patients.

PRK is safe and effective; however, the outcome depends on the amount and type of correction. For low prescription, the outcome is the same as LASIK.

PRK is considered to be the safest among laser vision correction procedures. Accordingly, PRK is done when a patient does not qualify for LASIK. However, other procedures such as SMILE and ICL, are also safe and do not entail longer recovery time nor discomfort encountered with PRK.

While the procedure is not painful, people can experience a different degree of discomfort during recovery. For this reason, we give our patients various medications to help them during their recovery.

Yes, PRK can be repeated.

As with all vision correction procedures, you should not wear your contact lenses for several days before the surgery. A longer period is needed for hard contact lens wearers.