If you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you have probably heard a thing or two about eye surgeries. While LASIK continues to remain a popular choice, many patients who cannot opt for LASIK can consider PRK, also known as photorefractive keratectomy. Patients who have thin corneas and vision issues may benefit from PRK, and if you are considering eye surgery in Rancho Santa Margarita, you should meet Kathleen Andersen , OD, to know what’s best for your needs.
Understanding photorefractive keratectomy
For the unversed, photorefractive keratectomy is used to correct refractive errors of the eye, and examples include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Like LASIK, PRK also focuses on reshaping the cornea, which helps the eye in focusing better. Your doctor will usually start with a detailed eye checkup to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for the surgery. Some patients may be good candidates for PRK but not LASIK, while the latter is more recommended when suitable for a patient.
Before PRK
Your eye surgeon will start by measuring the refractive error and pupil of each eye along with the corneal shape. The laser used for PRK will be based on this. You may also need to undergo additional health checkups, depending on your medical history. Certain medications, such as antihistamines, must be stopped for at least three days before the surgery. You may also have to stop wearing contact lenses for at least one to three weeks before PR. Additional eye drops may be necessary, and your eye doctor will usually give recommendations to clean your eyes.
During PRK
Always take a light meal before the surgery, as you may need to be at the clinic for a few hours. Check with your doctor if you can continue your prescription medications. Make sure to avoid makeup on the day of PRK. The procedure takes about five to ten minutes for each eye, and you will not need general anesthesia, although you may need anesthetic eye drops.
Recovery after PRK
You will have to rest for a while at the clinic. Call someone as you won’t be able to drive. You may have to return to see your doctor after a day to check the results. Although not common, some patients may experience swelling, redness, and fever, and if you experience such symptoms, contact your doctor. Your doctor will usually place contact lenses as a bandage during the surgery, and during the recovery, ensure you don’t dislodge them. Avoid using soap or shampoo for a week or as recommended by your doctor. You don’t want to get sweat in the eyes, which may cause irritation, and your doctor will recommend the necessary steps to care for your eyes. It can take a few days or weeks before you have stable vision, although most patients see effective results in less than a month.
Is PRK good for you?
Your eye doctor is the best person to answer the question. Usually, patients with less corneal tissue or thinner corneas benefit from the most from PRK. Removing too much of the cornea is a usual risk with LASIK, but PRK is safer in that context. The risk of other complications is also low.
Final word
If you are just tired and bored of using contact lenses and glasses, you should certainly discuss PRK with your eye specialist in Rancho Santa Margarita. Ensure you tell them about your medical history and what you expect when choosing the procedure. If your doctor feels you will get better vision with LASIK, they may recommend that over PRK. Get a detailed checkup and know the pros and cons before agreeing to the surgery.
