Like LASIK, PRK uses a cool Excimer laser to reshape the cornea. However, unlike LASIK, the PRK procedure does not utilize the creation of a flap. Rather, the surface of the cornea is reshaped. This procedure affords some who may not be a candidate for LASIK (such as those with thinner corneas) to qualify for laser vision correction.

The PRK Procedure
1. Before the procedure, the eye is numbed with an anesthetic eye drop.
2. Next, an eyelid holder is placed between the eyelids to prevent blinking.
3. The surgeon then gently removes the thin layer of protective skin (the epithelium) on the surface of the cornea.
4. The cornea is gently reshaped using a cool Excimer laser.
5. A protective bandage contact is placed on the eye to provide added comfort as the eye heals and the epithelium regrows. You may experience some degree of discomfort during this healing process. The bandage lens is left in place for five to seven days after the procedure

Custom and Conventional PRK
When you come in for your consultation, the doctor will discuss your options and recommend either custom or conventional PRK, based on your particular visual irregularities. Custom PRK addresses some of the higher order aberrations which cannot typically be addressed by conventional PRK.