Photorefractive Keratectomy

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is performed through the use of the Excimer Laser.

To begin the procedure, the surgeon removes the epithelium with a special spatula-like tool. Then, the Excimer Laser is applied to the underlying cornea to correct the refractive error. Because the epithelium is totally removed in the central cornea, patients can expect to have moderate degrees of discomfort during its regrowth and may require the aid of pain medication. Also, the regrowth of the epithelium can contribute to a longer period needed to attain visual stability than other procedures.

PRK was developed as an alternative to RK to correct low to moderate degrees of nearsightedness.