Picture this, you’re just about to head out of the house so you do a quick check to make sure you have everything you need. But when you arrive you realize you forgot something—your glasses/contacts. If you’ve felt that frustration before, then it’s time to consider what PRK eye surgery can do for you. Here is a breakdown of what PRK surgery is, its benefits, and where you can find a specialist.
What Is PRK Eye Surgery?
If you suffer from vision issues then Photorefractive Keratectomy, or PRK surgery, might be right for you. PRK is a procedure people elect to have done to correct their vision. This type of eye surgery has been around longer than LASIK and shares similar methods of vision correction.
What is the PRK Surgery Process Like?
Curious about what PRK surgery would be like? Here is a quick rundown of what you can expect. Before any surgery takes place, your doctor will test and evaluate your vision. During your evaluation, your doctor will determine whether you are a candidate for PRK eye surgery or not.
Am I a Candidate for PRK Surgery?
If you’re a candidate for PRK, what can you expect from the day of the surgery? To begin numbing drops are placed on your eyes to help you feel comfortable and prevent blinking. From there, your eye surgeon will use precision lasers to reshape your cornea, which is the clear, outer layer of your eye.
Once the surgery is complete, you can expect to see results quickly. Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in their vision, however, maximum vision clarity may take a few weeks.
Benefits of PRK Eye Surgery
One of the first questions on your mind likely is, “what are the benefits of PRK surgery?” The obvious reason would be the visual clarity, but what else makes this corrective surgery advantageous? Here are a few ways you can benefit from PRK.
Unburden Your Vision
Are you tired of carrying/wearing/maintaining glasses or contact lenses? Do you find yourself getting frustrated or upset every time you lose your glasses or a contact lens? PRK surgery can help you become less reliant on eyewear. With this one-time surgery, you’ll also be spending less on eyewear.
Is PRK an Alternative to LASIK?
Unfortunately, not everyone is a candidate for LASIK. Irregular corneas, dry eyes, and other variables may prevent you from receiving certain eye surgeries. Luckily, PRK is a great alternative to LASIK, so if you can still receive vision correction. Find out which is right for you here.
Immediate Results
As mentioned before, most patients will notice improvements to their vision immediately after surgery. It will likely take a bit more time to reach the full results, but the end result will be a vast improvement. The sooner you decide to get eye surgery, the sooner you’ll see results.
PRK Surgery Recovery
As you recover from PRK surgery, you may notice slight discomfort in your eyes. Stinging and burning sensations are common and can be best treated with a good nap after surgery. Napping will also allow your eyes a good chance to heal. You may have some light sensitivity during your recovery and slightly blurry vision. For this reason, it is important to arrange for transportation following your PRK surgery.
PRK vs LASIK
At this point, you may be wondering what the difference is between PRK and LASIK. Both surgeries are used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism using precision laser technology. They are both used to reshape your cornea, however, the way the cornea is reshaped differs. PRK surgery will remove the top layer of the cornea, while LASIK creates a corneal flap that provides access to the tissues below in order to correct your vision. There is no clear advantage of using one surgery over the other. Rather a series of tests and evaluations can determine which one is right for you.
How Much Does PRK Eye Surgery Usually Cost?
Now that you know more about PRK surgery, let’s discuss costs. First off, PRK surgery is not covered by most insurance companies. But don’t let that discourage you from achieving a clearer vision. There are financing options available for patients who cannot outright afford PRK surgery. Find more information about patient financing here.
Finding a PRK Eye Specialist in Ohio
Where should you start your search for a PRK eye specialist in Ohio? Contact us at the Cleveland Eye Clinic. Our expert staff will evaluate your vision needs to find the right eye surgery for you. Let us help you achieve a clearer vision. We have six locations across Ohio, find one near you!
