PRK LASIK Eye Surgery Overview

Photorefractive Keratectomy, also known as PRK, is one of the newest developments in eye corrective treatments used today. Using this procedure, the cornea itself is treated to correct vision with the least amount of risk involved in comparison with other LASIK procedures or surgeries.

The PRK procedure is used for a variety of vision problems, such as astigmatism, presbyopia, nearsightedness and farsightedness. The treatment is quick and relatively painless, taking only about one minute per eye with the laser and roughly fifteen minutes per eye from start to finish. Recovery time varies from patient to patient, and some are back to work within two days, while others may require a week for full recovery. A patient’s vision is at its optimal level within six to eight weeks following the procedure.

Understanding PRK Treatment
Before the PRK procedure, a doctor will examine the eye to determine what kind of correction is needed and to what extent the laser needs to be used. A mild sedative is given if the patient requests it; however many patients do not feel the need to use any type of medication. The eyes are anesthetized through the use of special eye drops, and then one eye at a time is positioned under the laser.

Once the eye is properly positioned, a laser sends light pulses to the cornea, which serves to remove tissue from the eye. Within a few minutes of undergoing the laser, the eye is completed and the doctor will repeat the same process for the second eye.

Following the procedure, it is important to follow directions given by the doctor. Doctors require that someone drive the patient home, since they are unable to do so, and for the next couple of days the patient should rest at home. Patients must also refrain from rubbing the eyes, and are given a special type of contact lens that acts as a bandage. Antibiotic drops help prevent infection, and anti-inflammatory drops allow for easy and painless healing.

Who Benefits from PRK Surgery?
The PRK option is a great alternative for those who are not able to undergo other LASIK procedures. Patients who have less corneal tissue to work with than others benefit from this alternative procedure, since there is more preservation of corneal tissues.

Other benefits to PRK include less chances of dry eye, same or better long-term outcome as those who undergo LASIK, and a very mild to slim amount of pain. Patients undergoing the PRK treatment have excellent results, usually resulting in 20/20 vision or better.

What Does PRK Surgery Cost?
As with any surgical procedure, there are many costs involved other than the treatment itself. Consultation visits, medications, anesthesia, surgeon fees, and rehabilitation fees are all added into the overall price.

In the United States, a PRK treatment for both eyes ranges around $1,800. Always check with your vision insurance policy, as many insurance plans do not cover the cost of this type of surgery, as it is considered to be elective. In Thailand, the same procedure costs about $1,500. In India, the treatment is priced around $700, a substantial savings for medical tourists.

Choosing a Surgeon
When choosing a surgeon to perform PRK, be sure to check qualifications and education, especially the specialized training with equipment and techniques hat are required by LASIK procedures. Treatment facilities need to be up-to-date, clean and sanitary. To be on the safe side, make sure that both doctor and facility are accredited by reputable health care agencies both domestically and abroad, especially if they cater to medical tourists.