If LASIK isn't suitable for you, PRK may be the solution to improve your nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Learn about the procedure, its benefits, and why it might be the right choice for your vision needs.
PRK Eye Surgery in New York City
About PRK Photorefractive Keratectomy as an Alternative to LASIK
If you’re considering laser surgery to improve your vision, you’ve likely come across PRK. Photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK, is an established laser procedure that corrects refractive errors. If you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, PRK may be a viable solution to improve your eyesight. For some, LASIK is not a viable option. If it has been determined that LASIK is not suitable for you, PRK eye surgery in New York City at Dello Russo Laser Vision is an excellent choice to improve your vision.
Rich's PRK Testimonial at Dello Russo Laser Vision
What Is PRK?
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, uses laser technology to correct your vision. Like LASIK, PRK reshapes the corneal tissue to alter the way light is filtered into the eye, ultimately resulting in improved vision. As the number one alternative to LASIK eye surgery, PRK removes a small amount of corneal tissue instead of making a flap like in LASIK, allowing the eye to heal gradually. You may be considering PRK if you do not qualify for LASIK or if the specific needs of your eyes would be better suited with an alternative procedure. Because the procedure removes corneal tissue, PRK may take longer to heal and may involve a slightly higher risk of complications than LASIK. See our page LASIK vs PRK to learn more about the differences between LASIK and PRK.
Why choose PRK to Improve Your vision?
PRK can be a great option for mild to moderate vision deficits and is the most popular choice as an alternative to LASIK. The procedure effectively reshapes the cornea, allowing more light to travel through the eye, ultimately improving your vision. Surgery results are consistent, and the procedure is highly effective at correcting vision problems, usually resulting in 20/40 or 20/20 vision once the eyes have fully healed. PRK is one of the most common approaches to vision correction laser surgery and is widely performed. Like other laser procedures, PRK is an outpatient procedure. It’s important to plan your procedure accordingly, as you won’t be able to drive yourself home afterward, and you may experience discomfort for a few days. You may not see immediate vision improvement, but rest assured your sight will improve as the eye heals. A follow-up prescription will help ensure your eyes heal well and provide optimal results. There are also some activities you’ll want to avoid post-procedure. Always check in with your surgeon for any questions or concerns about the healing process.
Is There a Difference Between LASIK and PRK?
While researching laser procedures, you’re likely coming across both LASIK and PRK as viable options. While LASIK and PRK surgeries can improve your vision, they are not the same procedure. In fact, the PRK procedure was in place well before the LASIK technique was created.
Though LASIK surgery is a more recent technology, there are reasons to opt for a PRK procedure instead. Notably, some people—like those with thin corneas—may not be candidates for LASIK but can still improve their vision with PRK. Though some patients will be candidates for either procedure, there are times when PRK may be the preferred surgical option. Your career, hobbies, and eye structure will all impact which laser procedure is right for you. Every patient has individual needs for vision improvement, so plan on a consultation before settling on a procedure. This will help ensure you choose the best treatment plan for you and your eyes.
Getting Started on Better Vision
There’s no reason to settle for imperfect vision when procedures, like PRK, can dramatically improve your eyesight—for good. For a complete evaluation and to discuss what options might work for you, contact the qualified professionals at Dello Russo Laser Vision. A customized treatment plan will have you on your way to the perfect vision you’ve always wanted to have.
