PRK Technology
Photo-Refractive Keratectomy, or PRK, involves removal of
the top surface level of the cornea called the epithelium.
This exposes the inner cornea which the computer assisted
laser will begin to re-sculpt the curvature of the eye. PRK
is a good alternative for patient’s that are not good
candidates for LASIK.
PRK Procedure Explained.
 The procedure is performed using "eye drop" anesthesia. No
incisions are made, so PRK does not weaken the structure of
the cornea. The laser actually sculpts the cornea in less
than 60 seconds, and the entire procedure takes less than 15
minutes. Patients report some discomfort after the procedure
until the outer potion of the cornea (epithelium) heals,
usually within 48 to 72 hours. Some patients see a dramatic
improvement in the vision within the first day. For others,
vision may fluctuate for several days or longer. Most people
return to normal activities within one to three days.
Are you a PRK candidate?
If you’re over 18, have healthy corneas, no significant
change in your vision in the last year and no chronic eye
disease or autoimmune disease, you could be a candidate.
Laser vision correction is approved for myopia up to
-11D,
astigmatism up to -3D and hyperopia up to +3D, mixed
astigmatism up to -5D. A thorough screening exam is
available to determine if you are a good candidate and to
assist you in making an informed decision about refractive
surgery. Pregnant and nursing women should not consider the
procedure.
The Refractive Surgery Screening
• WaveScan® - to identify and measure
imperfections of the eye.
• Topography – to check the surface of the cornea.
• Pachymetry – to measure the thickness of the cornea.
Make Expectations Realistic
It’s important to base your decision on facts,
not misconceptions. While PRK’s goals are to
reduce your dependence on corrective lenses, they do not
always create 20/20 vision. In fact, presbyopia, or aging of
the eye, normally occurs around age 40, and may require the
use of reading glasses. Some people over 40 who have their
distance vision improved with PRK may find they
need reading glasses after the procedure.
To request more information about PRK click here
to email our office. |
The Excimer Laser.
 For
many years, the only way to treat nearsightedness,
farsightedness and astigmatism was for doctors to make
incisions in the cornea. In the early 1980s, researchers
discovered a computer assisted laser, the Excimer laser,
which could remove tissue with up to a 0.25 micron of
accuracy. Now after decades of use, the highly advanced
Excimer laser allows a tremendous amount of precision,
control and safety to surgical vision correction. The
Excimer laser is unique in that it emits a cool or
non-thermal light beam. This makes it ideal for corneal
surgery because it eliminates the possibility of thermal
damage to surrounding tissue.
The CustomVue Option:
Individualized Laser Vision Correction.
Now, instead of relying on standard measurements to correct
vision, VISX CustomVue can measure and address the special
needs of each individual's whole visual system. WaveScan
technology produces a detailed map of your eye--much like a
fingerprint, no two are alike. With this incredibly detailed
information, doctors can truly tailor vision correction
especially for your eyes only.
The unique correction information is transferred from the
WaveScan to the VISX Star S4 Excimer laser, guiding the
laser throughout the procedure. The 3-D ACTIVETRAK eye
tracker follows the eye's tiniest movements. It instantly
and automatically repositions the laser to keep the laser
beam focused where the doctor wants it, so the patient can
relax in complete confidence.
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Before |
After |
 The
Difference Is Like Day--And Night!
In the past, laser vision correction patients occasionally
complained about their night vision. Naturally, people who
have never had PRK procedures also have these problems while
wearing glasses or contact lenses.
In a recent FDA clinical study, however, more people were
satisfied or very satisfied with their night vision after
their PRK procedure as compared to their prior level of
satisfaction using glasses or contact lenses.
Get The Facts!
One year after the CustomVue procedure, patient’s in the
national FDA clinical study reported these great results
without glasses or contact lenses:
• 100% could pass a driving
test
• 70% could see better than
20/20
Although no individual surgical outcome can be guaranteed,
these clinical studies show the extraordinary effectiveness
of this leading-edge technology.
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