Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Eye Surgery

PRK/ASA Eye Surgery

If you are considering laser eye surgery, PRK (also referred to as ASA) eye surgery is an excellent alternative to LASIK or SMILE. The PRK procedure is a particularly good option for people who have been told that they would not be good candidates for LASIK eye surgery, or for people whose lifestyles may have precluded them from having LASIK.

Patients who are often recommended for PRK Laser Eye Surgery are those who:

• Have a cornea that is thinner than what is advised for LASIK
• Have dry eyes or are prone to dryness
• Participate in high-contact sports (such as MMA fighting) and are more likely to take a hit to the eyes

How PRK Eye Surgery Works

1. Numbing drops applied
2. Superficial layer scraping
3. Laser sculpting
4. The corneal surface heals; in myopes, the cornea is made flatter.

PRK Eye Surgery Healing Expectations

A person who had PRK laser eye surgery can expect to see every bit as well as a LASIK patient over time. The initial healing period is much slower. Patients are often recommended to have one eye done at a time. The doctor may recommend waiting anywhere between a week to a month between eyes. Having one eye done at a time will help patients to remain functional throughout healing. Patient who has one eye done at a time will need to make arrangements to have their glasses adjusted or to wear a contact lens in between procedures.

In most cases, a PRK patient will wear a contact lens during the first 5-8 days of healing. In most cases, the patient will not need to touch the lens at all. The ophthalmologist will handle putting the lens in and taking the lens out.

Benefits of the PRK Procedure

1. Preserves the Structural Integrity of the Cornea: In an Advanced Surface Treatment, the laser correction is performed on the surface of the cornea rather than a deeper layer.
2. Puts Patients at Less Risk of Corneal Complications: Patients are at less risk of experiencing corneal injuries than with LASIK. Blunt trauma to the eye can cause a dislodged flap in some cases even years after the LASIK procedure.
3. Better for Patients with Thin Corneas: Working on the surface of the cornea also allows for the treatment of patients whose corneas are too thin for the creation of a LASIK flap and removal of tissue by the excimer laser.
4. Less Likely to Induce or Worsen Dry Eye: Advanced Surface Ablation is gentler on corneal nerves and thus diminishes the possibility of inducing or worsening dry eye syndrome.

Want to learn more? The best way to find out what you would be a candidate for is to have a free consultation. Schedule a free consultation today!

Excellent

Based on 116 reviews

Erin Riley

September 3, 2023

From the very first consultation appointment, all the way to surgery day, I felt complete confidence in the team at Toledo Lasik. Ray is so friendly, kind, and explained everything on the financial side in detail so I knew exactly what to expect. Dr. Jee performed the SMILE procedure on my eyes, and was also very personable and competent. She really made me feel at ease, and I did not feel nervous at all during the procedure. Not even 24 hours post op, I was seeing 20/20, after 33 years of wearing glasses/lenses at a very high prescription (my eye doctor explained that my vision was previously 20/900!) A week post op, I am seeing 20/15…even my eye doctor is dumbfounded at the results I am experiencing, and kept repeating how “truly remarkable” my results are! I am healing well, and I could not be happier!

Brett Adkins

August 14, 2023

This was a very good experience. Everyone was very friendly and helpful and most importantly I broke up with my glasses. I havent experienced any pain or anything and about after 2 days of rest i was ready to function again.

Kirk Mortemore

July 18, 2023

I was in and out in less than 45 minutes. It is insane thats all it takes to fix eyesight. Less than 10 minutes in the operating room. Feels weird but mostly painless. About 3 minutes for each eye.

LAURA

April 15, 2023

Did an amazing job. I got the SMILE lasiks procedure. Staff was nice. Dr. Wiley did an exceptional job. My only complaint is that I wish they would have given me a prescription for the one Valium pill BEFORE the day of my surgery so I could take it before I arrived because it definitely did not kick in until the ride home so I was super anxious during the procedure.

Haley Wolfe

December 16, 2022

I am SO happy that I chose Toledo LASIK Center to conduct my surgery. First off, the staff is extremely nice and knowledgeable, they listen to concerns and questions about the surgery while reassuring you throughout the process. Secondly, the surgeon and tech that conducted my surgery were absolutely amazing. I was really nervous initially but they were there explaining the entire process to me and making sure I was okay/comfortable the entire time. From the initial consolation to my post-op check up, I have never once regretted my decision to come here. A special shout-out to Ray for being really kind and understanding, and for reassuring me the day of surgery. He is wonderful and Toledo LASIK Center is lucky to have him.

Slee Biscuit

November 10, 2022

I was once told many years ago because of my significant astigmatism, Lasik was not in the cards. 20 years later I finally had enough of these glasses and having "underwater vision" when off. I consulted with them and was reassured advances in the technique. Going in, of course I was nervous, and the staff was very professional. The procedure took less than 15min. I'm now 3 months post op and have 20/15 vision. Best money I've ever spent. Thank you so much!