PRK laser eye surgery
What is PRK laser eye surgery?
PRK is a common technique used to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism and it consists of a reshaping of the cornea, the transparent tissue placed on the anterior side of the eye, thanks to the use of a laser.
What are the advantages of PRK eye surgery?
PRK is safe, fast, efficient and it enables you to reach a permanent optimal vision and to improve the quality of your life, getting rid of glasses or contact lenses.
Who can undergo PRK eye surgery?
To know if you are suitable for PRK it is necessary an eye examination, during which the ophthalmologist assesses the health condition of your eyes thanks to a series of tests to study the feature of the surface of the cornea. The following prerequisites are necessary:
- Being 18 year old or older
- Stable myopia, astigmatism and hypermetropia by at least 1 year
- Lack of eye diseases
- You must have enough corneal tissue (people with thin corneas are not suitable)
Before PRK eye surgery
Before PRK eye surgery:
- Do not wear contact lenses in the previous 30 days
- Do not wear make up on the day of surgery
- Do not use fragrances on the day of surgery
What to do after PRK eye surgery
The ophthalmologist will give you precise rules and the medical treatment to follow. It is recommended to take these precautions:
| Protect your eyes as much as possible wearing sunglasses, in order to avoid the exposition to light, wind and dust |
| Do not rub your eyes |
| Do not wear make-up or use shampoo for the first six days |
| Prevent infections and keep the eyes hydrated with eye drops prescribed by the ophthalomologist |
| Undergo the follow-up visits planned by the ophthalmologist to verify the recovery status of your eyes. |
How do you see after PRK and how much time does the postoperative recovery take?
Results can be visible almost immediately after surgery. Within a few days visual ability improves progressively and soon you get used to live without the need of wearing glasses or contact lens.
Postoperative recovery lasts about 1 month. You can perceive a light pain and burning, sensitivity to light and an intense tearing, due to the regeneration of the cornea, but you don’t have to worry: it is a sign of success of the procedure. You can reach a perfect visual quality from 1 to 6 months.
How long before a State exam can i undergo PRK surgery?
It is advised to book an appointment at least two months before the surgical procedure in order to guarantee a wide range of dates to choose from, since the operating rooms are organised monthly.
Long-term effects of PRK
Thanks to PRK it is possible to recover an optimal vision and never have to wear glasses or contct lenens ever again. The result of the treatment is definitive, exception made for the appearance of complications linked to ageing, like cataract and presbyopia.