PRK
Surface laser treatment used when the cornea is too thin for LASIK: the procedure, recovery and possible complications.
PRK is one of the laser techniques used to treat myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Today the most commonly performed laser technique for treating these refractive errors is LASIK. However, PRK can be used when the cornea is not thick enough for LASIK.
Vision does not become clear for 3–5 days after PRK. The contact lens placed on the cornea during the procedure stays in the eye for 3 days, and there is some pain in the eye during this period.
How PRK Is Performed
- The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops.
- The area around the eye is cleaned and covered with a sterile drape.
- To prevent blinking, the eyelids are held open with an instrument called a “lid speculum”.
- The epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea, is scraped away.
- The laser is applied to the cornea.
- A contact lens with no prescription is placed on the eye, and antibiotic drops are applied.
- The lid speculum is removed and the procedure is complete.
Possible Complications of PRK
- Residual prescription (under- or over-correction)
- “Haze”: clouding of the cornea. Steroid drops are used to prevent it; if haze does develop, the steroid drops are continued for many months.
PRK at a Glance
- Before surgery
- Stop wearing soft lenses 5 days and hard lenses 15 days beforehand.
- Anaesthesia
- Anaesthetic drops
- Duration
- 10 minutes in total for both eyes
- Bandage
- The eyes are not bandaged.
- After surgery
- For the first 3–5 days, the plain contact lens placed during PRK stays in the eye. There is pain in the eye.
- Vision
- Vision is not clear for the first 3–5 days. After the contact lens is removed, vision gradually becomes clear.
- Return to work
- After the contact lens is removed
- Eye check-ups
- The day after surgery, after 3 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months
- Eye drops
- Painkilling drops for 3 days, antibiotic drops for 1 week, steroid drops for 3–6 months. Painkilling tablets are recommended in the first days after surgery.
Have your eyes assessed
Send your prescription history, previous eye reports and any corneal imaging for an individual assessment — in person in İstanbul or over video.
With every surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. Please obtain a detailed opinion from your doctor before any procedure.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or personalised medical advice.