Is PRK a safe procedure?

Because only a small amount of corneal tissue is removed during PRK, it is considered to be extremely safe, and serious complications are unusual.

What complications are associated with PRK?

Infection is the most worrisome post-operative occurrence but is treatable and extremely rare. Other complications associated with this procedure are mostly related to the healing process. They include delayed healing (over-correction), excessive healing (scarring and under-correction), and the development of astigmatism.

These problems can translate into the symptoms of glare (2.4%) and/or loss of one’s best-corrected visual acuity (1.2%). However, 85.3% of patients have a result within 1 diopter of the predicted outcome and most complications are treatable with medication or further laser or incisional surgery.

How long is the PRK process?

The actual laser treatment will last less than a minute per eye, although the entire procedure process will last around 20 minutes.

What should one know about the PRK healing process?

Immediately following surgery, patients are fitted with a protective eye bandage. They may remove it the next day, although they will continue to experience some soreness and blurry vision. Aches and pains should remain minor, and the doctor can prescribe pain medication to help.

When will a patient see their PRK vision results?

It may take up to a week to see improved vision. Vision is considered fully stabilized after about 6 months.

Are both eyes treated at the same time?

Typically, both eyes are done at the same time. However, because vision stabilization can take time, patients are offered the option of treating one eye at a time.