PRK Candidacy

Are You A Candidate for PRK Surgery?

PRK is the first choice in LASIK surgery alternatives, offering excellent results for those for whom LASIK may not be ideal. If you have been told by an eye doctor or surgeon that LASIK might not be the best option, you may be a great candidate for PRK. PRK surgery has been around since 1987, and for patients who aren’t LASIK candidates, PRK can be the perfect alternative solution. This page will help you determine whether you’re a candidate for PRK surgery and where to go from there.

What is PRK? Getting to Know the #1 LASIK Alternative

Photorefractive keratectomy, better known as PRK, is a type of refractive surgery designed to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This procedure uses safe surgical lasers to effectively reshape the cornea, improving our vision for good. The results of PRK are comparable to LASIK, and patients can expect improved vision without contacts or glasses.

PRK Candidates Determining if PRK Surgery is Right for You

PRK surgery is a great vision correction option for patients who don’t qualify for LASIK. Your eye doctor might recommend PRK if you:

Have a thin cornea
Have a higher prescription for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
Work in a field where a corneal flap is inadvisable
You participate in activities that could damage a corneal flap

There are several different factors to consider in weighing surgeries, so it’s crucial to fully understand your options as a potential candidate for PRK surgery and what qualifies someone as an eligible PRK candidate.

Why PRK Surgery Might Be Better for You

While PRK and LASIK surgery are similar, and designed to improve your vision, they’re different procedures. During LASIK, a flap is created in the cornea to allow your doctor to reshape your eye. During PRK, the top layer of the cornea is removed entirely instead. Some people don’t qualify for LASIK surgery. If you don’t qualify because your cornea is too thin to create an adequate corneal flap or for various other reasons, PRK can be an excellent solution. Since the piece of your cornea is completely removed during PRK surgery, people with thinner corneas may opt for PRK vs LASIK.

Your Job or Hobbies Could Make You Better Suited for PRK

Your employment or activities may also mean you’re not a candidate for LASIK, but PRK could be an option for you. Some industries put you at a greater risk of eye trauma and complications with a corneal flap. Consider PRK if you work in:

Construction
Manufacturing
The military
Any field with a higher risk of eye trauma

Participating in certain sports or hobbies may also put you at a higher risk of corneal flap damage, including:

Contact sports
Martial arts
High-intensity competitions

Why You Might Not Be a PRK Candidate

People with certain eye conditions might not be qualified PRK candidates.

PRK surgery is not recommended for patients with the following eye conditions:

Keratoconus
Collagen vascular disease
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Scarring from an eye injury

Additionally, people with these health conditions are not eligible PRK candidates:

A family history of or predisposition to keloids
Autoimmune diseases
Diabetes
Immunodeficiencies
Pregnant or nursing
Taking steroids or other medications that impact your healing

You may qualify for PRK if your condition resolves. For example, if you are no longer nursing or have fully healed from a cataract surgery, you may be newly eligible for PRK. If you’re not a PRK candidate now, talk to your doctor about whether you may qualify for PRK later.

Schedule Your Free Consultation at Dello Russo Laser Vision to Discuss PRK Surgery

Ready to find out whether you’re a candidate for PRK surgery? Contact Dello Russo Laser Vision today for your free consultation. At your appointment, our surgeons can determine whether you’re a good fit for PRK and answer questions about preparing for surgery, PRK recovery, and the PRK costs.