PRK - Laser Vision Correction Surgery

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery designed to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism by reshaping the surface of the eye. As with LASIK, an excimer laser is used to change the shape of the cornea, so that light will be focused better into the eye. Improving the focus of light into the eye allows the patient to see better. Please see About Vision for more info on how the eye works.

How PRK differs from LASIK

PRK and LASIK are similar laser eye surgeries that improve a patient's vision by reshaping the cornea. The procedure is distinct from LASIK, a form of laser eye surgery where a permanent flap is created in the deeper layers of the cornea. With PRK, the corneal epithelium is removed and discarded, allowing the cells to regenerate after the surgery. Also, compared to LASIK, PRK patients report a slower improvement of vision. The Holladay LASIK Institute typically performs PRK on patients with larger pupils or thin corneas, patients that do not usually qualify for LASIK.

Because PRK does not create a permanent flap in the deeper corneal layers (the Intralase LASIK procedure involves a femtosecond laser microkeratome to create a 'flap' out of the outer cornea), the cornea's structural integrity is less altered by PRK. The LASIK process covers the laser treated area with the flap of tissue which is from 100 to 180 micrometres thick. This flap can mute the nuances of the laser ablation, whereas PRK performs the laser ablation at the outer surface of the cornea. PRK does not involve a knife, microkeratome, or cutting laser as used in LASIK, but there may be more pain and slower visual recovery.

PRK eligibility

It is estimated that up to 80% of the myopic population may physically qualify as potential PRK candidates. There are a number of basic criteria which a potential candidate should satisfy:

• Normal ocular health
• Age 20 years or older
• Stable refraction error (no noticeable change in vision during the last year) correctable to 20/40 or better
• Between -1.00 to -12.00 diopters of Myopia
• No gender restriction, with the exception of pregnancy
• Realistic expectations of the final results, with a complete understanding of the benefits, as well as the possible risks
• Pupil size 6 mm or less in a dark room is ideal, but some may be acceptable with larger pupils, check with Dr. Holladay
• Assessment of allergies, (e.g., pollen) where allergy may complicate the eyelid margins following surgery leading to dry eye

There are also some pre-existing conditions that may complicate or preclude the treatment.

• Collagen vascular disease (e.g., corneal ulceration or melting)
• Ocular disease (e.g., dry eye, keratoconus, glaucoma)
• Systemic disorders (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis)
• History of side effects from steroids

The PRK procedure

You will be awake and fully conscious during the entire PRK procedure, which usually lasts for about 30-60 seconds. Your personalized prescription is entered into the laser and numbing drops will be put into your eye . Dr. Holladay will then gently remove the protective epithelium of the eye and use the laser to reshape the cornea. Patients report experiencing minimal to no pain during the procedure.

Affordable PRK in Houston, Texas

During your comprehensive PRK screening, be sure to ask about our Interest-Free PRK Financing that makes your PRK vision correction extremely affordable.

Many patients have discovered that PRK is a very affordable alternative to glasses and contact lenses. When you consider how much you will spend on frames, lenses, contact lenses, cleaning solutions and eye exams, you will see how PRK is a practical alternative.

Dr. Holladay's PRK representatives will be glad to discuss with you during your free screening the affordable Zero Percent financing for up to 24 months we have made available to qualified candidates.

More Information on LASIK?

Dr. Holladay is happy to provide potential candidates for PRK eye surgery in Houston, Texas with additional information on these procedures in printed brochures. Please Contact Us to have these articles mailed to your house.

Finally, if you have a particular question not covered on this website, , or call one of our PRK Specialists by phone at (713) 668-7337. We're happy to assist you!

Imagine life without glasses or contacts... Contact us to schedule your Free PRK Screening today. One call will add distinct clarity to your life!