PRK and LASIK - An Overview

What Is Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?

A particular kind of refractive surgery performed with a laser on the eyes is called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). The eyes can not bend light properly in a refractive issue, which impairs vision. After the PRK, an individual may find that they no longer require their glasses or contact lenses or only do so for specific tasks like reading at night or driving.

Uses:

The eyes' refractive defects are treated with a photorefractive keratectomy. This surgery enhances the focus of light rays on the retina by reshaping the cornea with a laser. If any eye conditions have been detected, one might require a PRK:

• Myopia.

• Hyperopia.

• Astigmatism (vision blurring due to an irregular eye shape).

What Does Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Involve?

Before the Surgery:

• Evaluate the eyesight. To ensure the vision has not changed, this is being done. In addition, it displays the degree of the refractive error and if PRK can be utilized to compensate for it.

• Investigate any more eye issues. Make sure an individual does not have any eye issues by visiting the ophthalmologist. This is because PRK has the potential to exacerbate pre-existing conditions or hurt them.

• The surface of the cornea should be measured and mapped. Along with taking exact measurements of the cornea's surface, the ophthalmologist will assess the thickness of the cornea. When programming the computer-based laser used during surgery, the eye surgeon will use these measures.

• Calculate the size of the pupils. Furthermore, they will gauge the pupil's size.

When Undergoing Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK):

An outpatient surgical center is typically used for PRK procedures. Usually, the process takes fifteen minutes or less. What to anticipate is as follows:

• Eye drops are applied to the eye to numb it.

• An individual will not be able to blink once the eye surgeon places an eyelid holder over the eye.

• The cornea's outer layer, known as the epithelium, will next be removed by the ophthalmologist. Using a laser, blade, brush, or alcohol solution, he or she can do this.

• To keep the eyes still, patients will be required to fix their gazes on a target light. The cornea is then laser-shaped by the ophthalmologist. A specialized device with measurements specifically tailored for the eye is the laser. A clicking sound will be audible while the ophthalmologist is utilizing the laser.

Recovery:

• An immediate post-operative contact lens will be applied by the ophthalmologist to aid in the eye healing process.

• Once the surgery is over, a person will need a driver to get to the home. After the procedure, the objective should be to return home, unwind, and perhaps even nap.

• Patients could be advised by the surgeon to take a few days off work. Additionally, as this may impede the healing process, one should refrain from intense activities for up to a week following surgery.

• Following PRK, an individual can experience mild eye pain for two to three days. Pain is frequently managed with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Some patients may occasionally require prescription medication, such as eye drops, to ease pain. If over-the-counter medications do not relieve the pain, do not hesitate to contact the ophthalmologist.

• As directed by the ophthalmologist, one must use eye drops for a maximum of one month. When using this medication to aid in recovery, make sure a person does as the doctor prescribes.

• One will need to wear sunglasses outside following PRK for as long as the physician advises. This is because sun exposure can promote post-operative corneal scarring, which can impair vision.

Who Is Eligible to Undergo Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)?

A PRK is only granted to those who fulfill specific standards. One should discuss what to anticipate with the ophthalmologist (eye doctor) in addition to doing the following:

• Possess healthy corneas.

• Generally possess good eye health.

• Expectations and results must be discussed by the surgeon.

• The age should be eighteen or older.

• Own an eye prescription that remains the same as the previous year.

The following conditions make an individual non-eligible for a PRK:

• Severe advanced glaucoma.

• Pregnancy.

• Breastfeeding.

• Cataracts.

• Dry eye syndrome.

• Blepharitis.

• Infection.

• Corneal scarring.

• Fluctuating refractive error.

• Corneal injuries or diseases.

• Uncontrolled diabetes.

• Allergies.

• Other conditions that impair healing.

What Is LASIK Surgery for the Eyes?

The most well-known and often used laser refractive surgery to treat vision issues is LASIK eye surgery. An alternative to spectacles or contact lenses is laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK. A particular kind of cutting laser is utilized during LASIK surgery to alter the cornea's shape. The clear tissue in the shape of a dome located in front of the eye is called the cornea.

The cornea in eyes with normal vision precisely bends or refracts light onto the retina at the back of the eye. However, astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness cause the light to be improperly twisted. Vision becomes blurry as a result of this improper refraction. Vision correction is possible with glasses or contact lenses. However, the refraction required for vision correction can also be obtained by reshaping the cornea.

Uses:

1. Myopia.

2. Hyperopia.

3. Astigmatism.

4. Presbyopia.

What Does LASIK Surgery Involve?

Before Laser Eye Surgery:

The ophthalmologist and one will talk about the lifestyle-based vision requirements. For instance, a person would need surgery to get clear, distant vision if they play sports.

An individual should also talk to the ophthalmologist about what a person hopes to get out of LASIK. There is a chance that those who get LASIK in hopes of having flawless vision without contacts or glasses will not be happy with the results. Most daily tasks can now be completed without the need for corrective lenses, thanks to laser eye surgery. For some tasks, including reading or nighttime driving, the patient might need to wear glasses.

During LASIK:

The ophthalmologist's office or an outpatient surgery center does this laser eye surgery. The cornea will be reshaped by the eye surgeon using a laser. What to anticipate is as follows:

• Eye drops will be used to numb the eye.

• To prevent blinking, the eye surgeon will apply an eyelid holder to the eye. Additionally, a suction ring will be applied to the eye to prevent it from shifting. It will feel like someone is applying pressure to the eyelid with a finger. The vision will now become blurry or completely black.

• The corneal tissue is made into a paper-thin flap by the ophthalmologist using a laser or a device known as a microkeratome. Subsequently, they raise and refold the flap.

• To keep the eyes still, patients will be required to fix one’s gaze on a target light. The ophthalmologist then uses a laser to reshape the cornea. The laser is a specialized device that has been calibrated using the eye's measurements.

• There will be a click while the ophthalmologist is using the laser. The eye surgeon smooths the margins and folds the flap back into place after reshaping the cornea.

Post-surgery:

• Following laser eye surgery, the ophthalmologist can cover the eye with a see-through shield or be asked to wear one for a few days while sleeping. This will shield the eye from harm as it heals.

• After the procedure, one should schedule some time to unwind at home or even take a nap.

• It is possible for the eyes to feel burning or scratchy for several hours. To lessen dryness and aid in the healing of the eye, patients will receive specific eye drops.

What Are the Risks of LASIK?

• Dry eyes.

• Halos, glare, and double vision.

• Inadequate improvements.

• Excessive adjustments.

• Astigmatism.

• Problems with flaps.

• Ectasia of the cornea.

• Regression.

• Loss or alterations in vision.

Conclusion:

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a specific type of laser-assisted refractive surgery used on the eyes. A refractive problem causes the eyes to bend light improperly, impairing vision. After the PRK, a person can discover that they do not need their glasses or contacts anymore or that they only use them for particular things like driving or nighttime reading. Another popular and widely used laser refractive procedure for vision correction is LASIK eye surgery. A substitute for spectacles or contact lenses is laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis or LASIK.