PRK
Are you considering laser vision correction? Many patients in Brisbane are discovering that PRK offers a time-tested, reliable path to clearer vision.
At The Eye Health Centre in Brisbane, our highly trained laser eye surgeons combine extensive specialist training with meticulous pre-surgical planning to ensure PRK delivers your optimal visual outcome.
What is PRK?
PRK, which stands for photorefractive keratectomy, was the first widely adopted laser vision correction technique and remains a safe, effective option. PRK is an excellent refractive surgery option for many patients due to its proven safety profile and outstanding results.
The procedure corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea using an excimer laser.
What makes PRK distinct is its flap-free approach. Rather than creating a corneal flap as in LASIK, PRK involves gently removing the surface layer of corneal cells before the laser reshapes the underlying tissue. This difference offers specific advantages that make PRK an excellent choice for many patients seeking visual freedom.
How Does PRK Work?
Before your PRK surgery even begins, your surgeon at The Eye Health Centre will conduct an exceptionally thorough and detailed assessment of your eyes. This comprehensive evaluation includes advanced diagnostic imaging and measurements that map every contour of your cornea with precision.
Your surgeon uses this detailed information to create a customized treatment plan designed specifically for your unique eye anatomy and visual needs.
This level of pre-surgical planning is what allows our specialists to determine which refractive procedure may be best for you. The diagnostic technology reveals subtle characteristics of your eyes that guide every aspect of your procedure, ensuring the laser treatment is tailored precisely to what your eyes need for the best possible result.
During the PRK surgery itself, your surgeon carefully prepares the eye by removing the epithelium, which is the thin, outermost layer of cells on the cornea. This layer naturally regenerates during your recovery.
Once the epithelium is removed, an excimer laser precisely reshapes the corneal tissue beneath according to your customised treatment plan, correcting the refractive error that causes your vision problems.
The entire procedure typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes per eye. You’ll receive numbing drops to keep you comfortable throughout the surgery, and most patients report feeling only mild pressure rather than pain.
After the laser treatment is complete, your surgeon places a special protective contact lens over your eye to support healing and comfort during the initial recovery period.
Why is PRK Recommended Over Other Laser Procedures For Some People?
PRK offers compelling benefits that make it the right choice for many patients.
Because the procedure doesn’t involve creating a corneal flap, it eliminates any possibility of flap-related complications. This means there’s no risk of flap displacement, even years after your surgery. For active individuals, athletes, or those in physically demanding professions, this advantage provides valuable peace of mind.
The flap-free nature of PRK also means that corneal thickness isn’t as important for candidacy for PRK as it is for LASIK. This can be particularly important for patients with thinner corneas or those who aren’t suitable candidates for LASIK. PRK may be the better option if you have certain corneal conditions, dry eyes, or large pupils.
Your surgeon will evaluate your individual circumstances during your comprehensive consultation to determine whether PRK is the most appropriate procedure for your needs.
Recovery After PRK
Recovery from PRK follows a different timeline compared to LASIK, and understanding this helps set realistic expectations.
The epithelial layer needs time to regenerate naturally, which typically takes a couple of days to a week. During this initial healing period, you’ll wear a protective contact lens and may experience some discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
Most patients notice significant vision improvement within the first week, though optimal vision can take several weeks to several months to fully stabilise. This gradual healing process is normal and expected with PRK. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Many patients find that the end results and long-term safety profile make PRK well worth the initial adjustment period. You’ll need to take a few days off work and avoid strenuous activities during the early healing phase, but most people return to their normal routines within a week.
Who is a Good Candidate for PRK?
PRK works exceptionally well for patients across a wide range of prescriptions and eye characteristics.
You might be an ideal candidate if you have mild to moderate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism and are seeking a flap-free vision correction option. The procedure is a particularly good option for people with thinner corneas who may not qualify for LASIK.
Active military members, police officers, firefighters, and athletes often prefer PRK because of its superior durability in contact sports or physically demanding situations. If your profession or lifestyle involves activities where eye trauma is more likely, PRK’s flap-free approach offers enhanced long-term stability.
During your consultation at The Eye Health Centre in Brisbane, your specialist will conduct a thorough evaluation that goes far beyond a standard eye examination. This detailed assessment examines your corneal thickness, topography, refractive stability, tear film quality, and overall eye health. Your surgeon’s advanced training allows them to identify the subtle factors that determine whether PRK will deliver your best possible outcome.
This meticulous pre-surgical evaluation is what sets our specialist care apart. By thoroughly understanding your unique eye characteristics before surgery, your surgeon can predict how your eyes will respond to treatment and customise the procedure accordingly.
Take the Next Step Towards Clearer Vision
If you’re ready to explore how PRK might help you achieve visual freedom, the specialist team at The Eye Health Centre is here to guide you.
Our laser eye surgeons bring advanced specialist training and a commitment to thorough pre-surgical evaluation that ensures every procedure is customised to deliver greater visual freedom for our patients. Schedule a PRK consultation at The Eye Health Centre in Brisbane, Queensland, today to experience the difference that detailed assessment and expert care can make for your vision goals.
