A Safe Alternative to LASIK PRK Boston
Though LASIK has become a popular, well-known procedure since its success in the field of laser vision correction, photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, was the first laser eye surgery to find widespread application. Like to LASIK, PRK can be used to treat farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism, yet offers a unique set of advantages and may be suitable for patients who have been deemed unfit for other types of refractive surgery.
The specialists at Sheth-Horsley Eye Center, Drs. Nilesh M. Sheth and Robert Kupsc, provide a comprehensive range of general eye care, including PRK and additional refractive surgeries, to Boston-area patients. Our practice's strict adherence to providing only the highest quality of care brings patients from neighboring communities and states, including New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Connecticut. We urge you to contact our practice to learn more about what PRK can do for you, and schedule a consultation to determine whether you are a suitable candidate.
What Is PRK?
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a vision correction surgery similar to LASIK. However, unlike LASIK, PRK surgery uses a laser to reshape the surface of the cornea without creating a corneal flap. Dr. Sheth especially recommends this less-invasive option to patients who do not qualify for LASIK due to thin or irregular corneas, as well as those with active lifestyles.
How Does PRK Work?
Similar to LASIK, the success of PRK lies in the implementation of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, refocusing light entering the eye to provide vision correction at a range of distances. However, instead of creating the corneal flap that needed during LASIK procedures, PRK involves the complete removal of the outermost layer of the cornea, the epithelial layer. Using an alcohol solution and blunt surgical instrument, a surgeon gently rubs off the corneal epithelium, allowing access to the deeper tissue that is then systematically re-contoured. After the procedure is complete, roughly 15 minutes for both eyes, a soft contact lens is placed to act as a bandage. The lens is removed after new epithelial cells have grown back, around five days post surgery.
Benefits of PRK
Because of its unique approach, PRK offers a number of advantages over LASIK.
Benefits of PRK include:
- Lowered risk of compromised corneal thickness post surgery
- Suitable for patients who have been deemed unfit candidate for LASIK due to a thin cornea
- Risk of corneal flap complications is negated
Similar to any type of refractive surgery, PRK is not without its own set of risks. Compared to LASIK, final vision correction is more slowly achieved since the healing time slightly is longer, a slightly increased level eye discomfort has been reported in the early stages of recovery, and increased inflammation, hazy vision and rates of infection have been observed.
Schedule an Appointment
A thorough examination with a board-certified surgeon trained in PRK is needed to determine whether you are a suitable candidate. The thickness of your cornea, moistness of your eyes and size of your pupils, among other factors, will be evaluated to determine your candidacy. At Sheth-Horsley Eye Center, our experience PRK ensures patients are receiving an unparalleled level of care.
To undergo an examination to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this type of refractive surgery, please take the time to complete our online contact form. Residents of Massachusetts and neighboring states including New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Connecticut are encouraged to contact our practice and learn more about how we can provide them with lasting vision correction.
