PRK procedure, or photorefractive keratectomy, was the first type of refractive laser eye surgery performed for vision correction prior to the development of LASIK. PRK treats nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Both LASIK and PRK procedure have their advantages. With PRK procedure, there is no risk of flap complications because no flap is made. Also, since no flap is made, the entire corneal stromal thickness is available for treatment with PRK. PRK is often highly effective for people who do not qualify for LASIK because of thin corneas or corneal dryness.
What Is PRK Proc?
PRK, like LASIK, involves reshaping the corneal tissue with an excimer laser to correct the refractive error causing the eye’s nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and or astigmatism. When the cornea is correctly reshaped, it is better able to focus light into the eye and onto the retina, and vision is crisper and clearer.
With PRK, the outermost layer of the cornea called the epithelium is removed centrally. LASIK differs in that a corneal flap is made to access the underlying corneal tissue. PRK is known by some people as “laser surface treatment.”
Prior to entering our specially designed laser suite, you will be given some relaxation medicine. You will lie down on a bed, and receive some anesthetic eye drops. Throughout your procedure, Dr. Reena Patel will explain each step of surgery prior to performing it.
A numbing anesthetic drop will be placed in your eyes. Your eyelids will be cleaned off. Dr. Reena Patel will then position your head underneath the laser and place a retainer in your eye to prevent you from blinking during the procedure. Dr. Reena Patel will loosen the epithelium by placing proparacaine numbing drops on the eye. She will then remove the central epithelium manually with a blunt instrument. You will not feel anything except for maybe a little bit of pressure. She will then direct the VISX excimer laser at the underlying corneal tissue and reshape the cornea. You may hear a clicking noise and notice a slight odor, which is completely normal.
After Dr. Reena Patel has achieved the desired corneal shape, she will place a small disc soaked with anti-haze medication called Mitomycin C on your central corneal surface. She will then remove the medicated disc and copiously irrigate the eyes with a cold balanced salt solution. Dr. Reena Patel will then cover the cornea with a bandage contact lens to protect the eye as the epithelial cells grow back. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops will also be applied to the eye to prevent infection or post-operative complications.
The contact lens may need to remain in place for several days to weeks until the eye heals. You will be escorted to your recovery room to relax for a little bit before your companion drives you home to rest. You should notice an improvement in your vision pretty quickly, and it will continue to improve over the next few weeks.
PRK Recovery
PRK recovery is longer than recovery from LASIK surgery. Dr. Reena Patel will prescribe antibiotic drops, anti-inflammatory drops, and pain medicine to help decrease post-operative discomfort and expedite healing. PRK patients usually need to take a few days off from work. Your eyesight will improve gradually over several days to weeks. Vision stability can take several weeks to months after surgery.
PRK Procedure Results
PRK results are very similar to LASIK results. However, it may take longer for PRK patients to see an improvement in their vision because it takes several days for new epithelial cells to grow. Most people achieve 20/20 vision after PRK surgery and nearly all patients achieve 20/40 visual acuity or better. However, as with any surgery, we cannot guarantee that you will have the same results or a specific result.
I Can See Clearly Now
by Don Burrows
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.
I highly recommend Dr. Patel
by Jim Guhl
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017
In Good Hands
by Luke F.
Category: lasik surgeryTalk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!
Life Changing!
by Ashley J.
Category: lasik surgeryI love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.
Impressed with Dr. Patel and Staff
by William D.
Category: cataract surgeryI first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.
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