Have you been told that you need PRK surgery? If so, you may be wondering what that is and what to expect. PRK surgery is a procedure used to correct vision problems, and it has been around for many years. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about PRK surgery, including what it is, how it works, the benefits of the procedure, and more!
Contents
What Is PRK Surgery?
PRK is a type of laser eye surgery that is used to correct vision problems. It is a popular alternative to LASIK surgery, as it does not require the use of a surgical knife. The word “PRK” stands for “photorefractive keratectomy.” PRK is a vision correction surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea.
This type of surgery is often used to treat myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. In fact, it is the most common type of laser eye surgery performed in the United States. PRK was first approved by the FDA in 1995 and has been shown to be safe and effective.
PRK is a very popular choice for those who are looking to correct their vision. It has a number of advantages over other types of vision correction surgery. Many people who are not candidates for LASIK surgery are often good candidates for PRK.
It is a safe and effective way to improve your vision. If you are considering this type of surgery, be sure to talk to your doctor about all of your options.
What Is The Procedure?
When you are opting for this surgery, you might be wondering what actually happens during the operation. So, let’s take a look at the PRK surgery process.
The first thing that will happen is that your surgeon will numb your eyes with anesthetic drops. Once your eyes are numbed, they will use a device called a microkeratome to create a flap on the surface of your eye.
After the flap is created, they will then use a laser to remove some tissue from your eye. The amount of tissue that is removed will depend on how much myopia you have. Once the correct amount of tissue has been removed, they will then put the flap back in place and allow it to heal.
The whole surgery usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. It is a fairly quick and straightforward procedure.
After the surgery is complete, you will need to take it easy for a few days. Your eyes will be sensitive to light and you may experience some discomfort. You will be given eye drops to help with the healing process and reduce any inflammation. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully during the healing process.
PRK surgery is a safe and effective way to correct myopia. It has been used for many years and has a very high success rate. If you are considering this type of surgery, be sure to consult with a qualified eye surgeon to see if it is right for you.
Is PRK Surgery Painful?
PRK surgery is not a painful procedure. You may feel slight pressure during the treatment, but it is generally well tolerated. There is also no need for anesthesia or sedation during PRK surgery, which makes it a safer option than other types of refractive surgery.
The reason behind this is that during PRK surgery, the surgeon does not create a flap in the cornea like they do in LASIK surgery. This means that there is no risk of complications such as infection or flap dislocation.
In fact, the pain associated with PRK surgery is usually minimal and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients report feeling only mild discomfort for the first day or two after their procedure. So you should not let the fear of pain deter you from considering PRK surgery.
How Long Will PRK Last?
Many people who have PRK surgery experience excellent results that last for years. In some cases, however, the effects of PRK may not be as long-lasting as those of other types of refractive surgery. It’s important to remember that even if your vision does begin to change after PRK, you can always have a second surgery to improve your vision.
On average, the results of PRK surgery last for about:
- Ten years for people in their twenties.
- Five to seven years for people in their thirties and early forties.
- Two to five years for people over age 45.
It’s also important to keep in mind that your vision may continue to change as you get older, regardless of whether you’ve had PRK surgery. This is why it’s important to have regular checkups with your eye doctor, even after PRK surgery.
If you’re considering PRK surgery, be sure to talk to your eye doctor about all of the potential risks and benefits. Only you can decide if this type of surgery is right for you.
Which Is Better PRK vs LASIK?
Sometimes, people who are not good candidates for LASIK surgery may be better suited for PRK surgery. In general, those with thinner corneas, large pupils, or other factors that make LASIK a less ideal choice may do better with PRK.
PRK is also sometimes a better option for athletes or others who participate in activities where there is a risk of eye injury, as there is no flap created during the PRK surgery.
There are some differences in the recovery process for PRK vs LASIK as well. With PRK, it usually takes a few days for vision to improve and a week or two for vision to stabilize. With LASIK, most people have pretty good vision the day after surgery.
So, which is better PRK vs LASIK? It really depends on the individual situation. If you are considering either of these procedures, be sure to talk to your eye doctor to see which one is right for you. Because both procedures have a high success rate, you can be confident that you will end up with better vision no matter which one you choose!
What Are The Benefits?
When it comes to this type of surgery, there are a few key benefits that make this procedure stand out.
- For one, it is often the preferred choice for patients who have thinner corneas. This is because, during PRK surgery, there is no need to create a flap in the cornea like there is with LASIK surgery.
- Additionally, PRK can be a good option for patients who are more active and participate in contact sports. This is because there is no risk of the flap becoming dislodged during physical activity.
- Finally, this type of surgery has a shorter recovery time than LASIK surgery. In most cases, patients will notice an improvement in their vision within a few days after surgery.
Along with these, there are a few other benefits that make this surgery a popular choice among patients and doctors alike. These include:
- The safe and effective procedure with a high success rate
- Can be performed on patients of all ages
- Has a low risk of complications
If you are considering PRK surgery, be sure to consult with your doctor to see if it is the right option for you.
What Are The Risks of PRK Surgery?
As with any type of surgery, there are some risks and side effects associated with PRK surgery. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary. The most common side effects include:
- Discomfort and irritation in the eyes: It is normal to feel some discomfort and irritation in your eyes immediately after PRK surgery. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to help with this.
- Temporary blurry vision: Blurry vision is also common immediately following PRK surgery. This usually improves within a few days or weeks.
- Sensitivity to light: You may be more sensitive to light than usual for the first few days or weeks after PRK surgery. Wearing sunglasses can help with this.
- Watery eyes: This is also common immediately following PRK surgery. Your eyes may water more than usual for the first few days.
If you experience any of these side effects, it is important to contact your doctor right away. In most cases, these side effects are temporary and will improve within a few days or weeks. However, if you experience any severe side effects, such as severe pain or vision loss, it is important to contact your doctor right away.
PRK surgery is a safe and effective way to improve your vision. However, like with any type of surgery, there are some risks and side effects associated with PRK surgery. In most cases, these side effects are mild and temporary.
Tips To Minimize The Risks
If you feel that the side effects of surgery are too great, there are some things you can do to minimize the risks. These tips include:
- Wear sunglasses: This will help to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Avoid activities that can cause injury to your eyes: such as contact sports or using power tools without eye protection.
- Follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions: This will help to ensure that your eyes heal properly.
- Maintain good eye health: It is more about avoiding rubbing eyes, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risks of complications after surgery.
- Get regular checkups: It is essential to get regular eye exams, even if you don’t have any vision problems. This will help to catch any problems early on.
If you follow these tips, you can minimize the risks associated with PRK surgery. However, it is still important to speak with your surgeon about any concerns you may have before the procedure.
This surgery is a safe and effective way to improve your vision. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks involved. By following these tips, you can help to minimize the risks and ensure a successful surgery. If you have any concerns, be sure to speak with your surgeon before the procedure.
Conclusion
To conclude, PRK is a type of refractive eye surgery that can correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The surgery involves removing a thin layer of tissue from the surface of the eye and then reshaping the cornea. It is a safe and effective procedure with a high success rate.
Therefore if you are considering this surgery, be sure to consult with a qualified ophthalmologist to see if it is the right treatment option for you.
For more information and guidance you can contact Eye Mantra. EyeMantra offers the most advanced surgery options including PRK, Femto Lasik, SMILE surgery, Standard lasik, and Contoura vision. If you have any questions on lasik surgery, lasik surgery cost and lasik procedure, call us at +91-9711116605 or email at [email protected].
+91-9711116605
