How does PRK work?

PRK is a very similar, sister procedure to LASIK. The most significant difference between LASIK and PRK is the way the top surface of the cornea, called the epithelium, is removed. This type of removal prolongs the healing process by a few days, but the results are exactly the same as LASIK over time. PRK works by reshaping the front surface of the eye called the cornea so the light rays that enter the eye bend in the correct way to give good vision.

When a person wears their glasses or contacts, the light rays are altered in front of the eye. When the cornea is reshaped, the light rays are altered on the surface of the eye. This means that with PRK the patient enjoys 24/7 vision correction, as compared to glasses or contacts that only provide the correcting effect when the patient is wearing lenses.

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Why PRK?

When a person wears their glasses or contacts, the light rays are altered in front of the eye. When the cornea is reshaped, the light rays are altered on the surface of the eye. This means that with PRK the patient enjoys 24/7 vision correction, as compared to glasses or contacts that only provide the correcting effect when the patient is wearing lenses.

Types of LASIK Eye Surgery

PRK for Nearsightedness

PRK for Nearsightedness

When a person is nearsighted, the eye is anatomically too long for the shape of that person’s cornea; therefore, the rays of light fall short of the person’s retina. This results in blurry vision for the patient.

To correct this blurry vision a patient can wear corrective lenses or potentially have PRK. With PRK, the corneal surface is flattened with a cool laser beam to alter the path of the light rays. The results are that the rays of light now land in focus onto the retina giving a clear picture of the world to the patient.

PRK for Nearsightedness
PRK for Farsightedness

PRK for Farsightedness

With PRK, the corneal surface is steepened with a cool laser beam to alter the path of the light rays. The results are that the rays of light now land in focus onto the retina giving a clear picture of the world to the patient.

PRK for Astigmatism

PRK for Astigmatism

When a person has astigmatism, the cornea is shaped more like a football than a basketball, causing distortion to both distance and near vision. With PRK, the corneal surface is reshaped to be spherical so the light rays bend in the correct fashion to focus the light which results in a clear picture.

PRK for Astigmatism

FAQs

How to Prepare for Your Procedure

Decrease Caffeine Intake

On the day of your procedure, please consume only a minimal amount of caffeine prior to your procedure. It is best that you are able to sleep after your procedure to help in the healing process.

Minimize Your Morning Routine

Do not wear any makeup, hair products, perfume, aftershave or lotion on the day of your procedure.

Follow Your Normal Meal Schedule

Do not change your eating habits prior to the procedure. Please discuss any medications you are currently taking with your doctor prior to the day of your procedure.

Bring a Friend

It will be necessary to arrange for someone to bring you in for the procedure and pick you up once the procedure is completed. Your guest is more than welcome to accompany you through your procedure. If they wish, they may watch your procedure live from our “friends and family viewing area.” If your guest chooses not to view the procedure, they may wait in our comfortable lounge or simply return to the center one hour after your arrival time.

Review the Informed Consent Document

Take the time to read the Informed Consent document prior to the day of your procedure. Please do not sign the document until you are with your surgeon on the day of your procedure. Additionally, if you happen to develop a cold sore the week of your surgery, please call us to let us know. For your safety, it may be best to reschedule your procedure if you have a cold sore.

What to Expect Day of Procedure

Arrive on Time

Plan to arrive at your scheduled check-in time.

Confirm Payment

Complete the financial arrangements for your procedure.

Overview Session

Meet with our doctors and staff to review your procedure and the plans for your post-operative care.

Meet the Surgeon

Meet with your surgeon to go over the detailed plan for your procedure.

Prepare for the Procedure

Receive relaxation medication to reduce your anxiety and Aleve to decrease discomfort after your procedure. Please let our doctors and staff know if you would prefer not to take the relaxation medication.

The Procedure

The procedure takes 5-10 minutes per eye. Only numbing eye drops are used as an anesthetic. Our team will make sure you are comfortable and will talk you through the entire process.

After the Procedure

After a final check by one of our doctors, you will be on your way home to rest with your eyes closed for the first several hours. You may take the additional relaxation medication that is provided if necessary to help you relax or sleep. Total office time is approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Are You a Candidate
for PRK?
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Have Questions About Your Vision? We would like to invite you to a free virtual consultation where all of your questions will be answered.

After the PRK Procedure – Things To Do

Rest

Resting or sleeping is the best remedy for any post-operative discomfort. Use the additional relaxation medication that is provided, if necessary, and get some rest.

Wear your goggles (at bedtime)

Make sure to wear the eye shields provided to you while sleeping for the first week after surgery. These will prevent inadvertently touching or rubbing of your eyes while you are asleep.

Leave the bandage contact lens alone

This lens should remain on your eye(s) until it is removed at your post-operative appointment. If it should dislodge, do not replace it. Please call the office immediately.

Take the appropriate medications as instructed by your physician.

Medications may include:

Vitamin C: Take 500mg two times per day or take one 1,000mg tablet once per day, starting the day of the surgery and continuing for three months.
Neurontin 300mg Capsule: Take three times per day for five days. Its properties will help your comfort during healing.
Artificial Tears (Preservative-Free Only): Some patients experience scratchiness or irritation with mild light sensitivity to the lids in the operated eye for the first several days. This is generally worse in the morning and improves as the day goes on. For sensitivity, we recommend Ibuprofen (Advil), in addition to frequent dosing of preservative-free lubricant teardrops (artificial tears). Artificial tears can be used as often as the patient feels necessary to relieve the dry or scratchy sensation you may be experiencing post-surgery. You may use nonprescription preservative-free lubrication drops in the operated eye immediately after surgery, and as often as needed. You will be using these preservative-free drops for several weeks. They are available over the counter and can be purchased at your local pharmacy. Most find these to be helpful between medication eye drops, particularly in the morning. A preserved tear (sold in a bottle vs. individual dispensers) may be used after six weeks.
Gatifloxacin 0.5%: One drop four times a day for seven days in both eyes following the procedure. Do not begin using these eye drops prior to surgery; however, you will need to bring this with you the day of your procedure.
Prednisolone Acetate 1%: One drop four times per day for seven days in both eyes, then you will begin a drop-down schedule that will be explained in more detail on surgery day. Do not begin using these eye drops prior to surgery; however, you will need to bring this with you the day of your procedure.
Diclofenac (delays healing process): Use one drop every few hours as needed for extreme discomfort only during the first three days post-surgery. Do not begin using these eye drops prior to surgery; however, you will need to bring this with you the day of your procedure.
Tylenol 3: Take one to two Tylenol 3 (Tylenol with Codeine) every four hours as needed for discomfort and to help with sleeping. This will be given to you on the day of your surgery.
Valium: Take one tablet for discomfort and to help with sleep. This will be given to you on the day of your surgery.

After the PRK Procedure – Things NOT To Do

Do not touch your eyes for two weeks after your procedure.

Patients can experience eyelid swelling, tenderness, and slight redness of the eye for several days. No rubbing of the eyes should be done for four weeks following the surgery.

Do not wear make-up around the eyes for one week after surgery.

Do not swim or hot tub for at least two weeks after your procedure.

However, other physical activities (biking, working out, etc.) may be resumed on the second day after your procedure. Do not expose yourself to high-risk activities that can result in a direct blow to the eyes (e.g. an elbow in basketball) for at least the first month. If you participate in high-risk activities always wear protective eyewear.

Do not remove your bandage contact lens.

If it should dislodge, do not replace it – please call the office.

What Patients Have to Say…

Katelynn Kiehl
Katelynn Kiehl
December 21, 2022.
I rarely leave reviews but I felt I absolutely had to here to help others who are researching their best option for lasik or any of their corrective surgeries. Seriously look no further!! The staff here are beyond friendly, accommodating, empathetic, knowledgeable, helpful, and you can just tell they’re not just following some set of company guidelines that tell them to be nice to clients, they genuinely care about you. I went in for my free consultation at the end of July and was told while I didn’t qualify for lasik (based on shape of my cornea I think?) I did qualify for PRK and the doctor thoroughly explained that procedure and what it would entail from surgery day all the way through recovery and beyond. I was scheduled for PRK on Aug 5th and from the moment I walked in til the moment I left on surgery day, I was extremely well taken care of and I COULD SEE!! For the first time in 25 years I could see without glasses. The doctors told me what each day of recovery would look like and they were spot on!! I experienced no pain, but some mild irritation on recovery day 3 and sensitivity to light and eyes were watery. Vision was blurry for about a week, so I did have to take a couple more days off work than I planned to (doctor told me I should have planned for a week ahead of time, I should have listened.) For about a month after surgery, I wasn’t quite 20/20 but I could see! Seeing signs off in the distance was still a bit blurred but could definitely see well enough to function. I just kept slowly but surely gaining better eyesight as I healed. I just had my 3 month check up a couple weeks ago and I am 20/20 and can read on the 20/15 line! While PRK is a longer recovery process than lasik, it is worth it!! I wouldn’t change a thing and cannot think the doctors and their team enough. I can’t think of anywhere I’ve ever been where I’ve gotten better customer service. I hope this helps anyone who needed help making a decision on where to go for their vision!
Jesssica Wayman
Jesssica Wayman
December 20, 2022.
Had my lasik done about a week & 1/2 ago and could not be more happy! Libby the technician was fantastic! Dr. Massela was great and Dr. Davis who preformed my surgery was amazing! Everyone made me feel at ease and I definitely recommend this place. I can see 20/20 and even slightly better. Thank you Elite Lasik!
Breanna Orsi
Breanna Orsi
December 15, 2022.
The staff, the office, literally everything about this company is phenomenal. They were so helpful and accommodating as I traveled from out of state for the SMILE procedure. I am so grateful for how they’ve helped change my vision for the better!
Kate Goodyear
Kate Goodyear
December 15, 2022.
Elite Lasik provided a great, seamless, journey to gaining 20/20 vision! Their staff was very friendly and always willing to answer any questions. Definitely recommend getting a consultation here if you are interested in getting lasik done.
Barbara Logan
Barbara Logan
December 5, 2022.
I had Refractive Lens Exchange about 6 months ago and I am extremely pleased with the results. It has been life-changing to have clear, sharp vision. I can’t ever remember being able to see this well. I have not needed my contact lenses or reading glasses since the procedure. My night vision has improved dramatically. The procedure was painless, the people were wonderful, and the recovery was quick. I wish I would have had RLE years ago. Thank you, Elite!!
James Jordan
James Jordan
December 2, 2022.
Amazing place The ladies are just phenomenal. One week out and I'm at 2020 after wearing glasses for over 30 years.
laila abdalla
laila abdalla
November 23, 2022.
this place is genuinely amazing. the staff is so friendly! ive felt so welcomed there. yesterday i had my LASIK procedure done and i couldnt be happier with my results. the procedure was quick and painless. if you are on the fence about getting LASIK this is your sign to do it!!!! (they also play really good music and have really good snacks)
Mackenzie Tarble
Mackenzie Tarble
November 3, 2022.
I had a really great experience with all the staff and front office people. Libby and Keisha were super polite and always made me feel very comfortable. While the procedure was slightly uncomfortable for the first few hours right after, it was completely worth it and when I had questions the staff answered all of them in a timely and calm manner. My vision is now 20/15 and I’m pretty sure it’s better than even before I needed contacts as a kid! Would definitely recommend and will do so for any of my friends that want the same great service as I got. Thanks!