Understanding PRK Eye Surgery
PRK Eye Surgery in India
PRK eye surgery is a refractive surgery that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. The outer corneal layer is removed during the PRK procedure, and an excimer laser reshapes the underlying tissue. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
What is the PRK Surgery Procedure?
The PRK procedure involves several steps:
- Anaesthetic eye drops are applied to numb the eye and reduce discomfort.
- Then, the surgeon removes the thin outer corneal layer, called the epithelium.
- Then, an excimer laser reshapes the cornea by removing tiny amounts of tissue.
- Finally, a protective contact lens is placed over the eye to aid healing.
The procedure takes around 10-15 minutes per eye, and both eyes can be treated on the same day. While all refractive procedures might seem similar, let’s see how PRK differs from LASIK.
PRK Surgery vs. LASIK
PRK and LASIK are both laser eye surgeries for vision correction, but their techniques are different. Let’s see how.
- PRK eye surgery removes the outer corneal layer, while LASIK creates a corneal flap.
- PRK is preferred for individuals with thin corneas as it does not involve flap creation.
- LASIK is more suitable for those with thicker corneas since it allows the reshaping of the underlying tissue.
- PRK surgery generally has a longer recovery time because the epithelium needs time to regenerate.
Consulting with an eye surgeon can help determine which procedure is best for your specific needs.
Who Should Get PRK Eye Surgery?
PRK surgery is recommended for individuals who:
- Are not eligible for LASIK or other refractive surgeries.
- Have thin corneas, large pupils, or dry eyes.
- Have had previous eye surgeries or injuries.
It is essential to consult with an experienced eye surgeon to determine if PRK is the right option for you.
Eligibility Criteria for PRK Eye Surgery
To be eligible for PRK surgery, you should meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a vision prescription under +5D for hyperopia, -8D for myopia, and 4D for astigmatism.
- Have a stable prescription for at least a year.
- Have healthy eyes with no underlying conditions.
- Not be pregnant or lactating.
Recovery Time and Post-Surgery Care Tips
The recovery time for PRK eye surgery varies, but the entire post-PRK surgery experience looks like this for most patients.
- First few days after the procedure: Mild discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurry vision.
- One week after the procedure: Regeneration of the epithelium with gradual vision improvement.
- One month after the procedure: Continued improvement in visual acuity, though fluctuations may occur.
- One to three months after the procedure: Vision has stabilized, achieving the desired outcome.
While this timeline is mostly the same for all, a little variation might occur from person to person.
Risks and Side Effects of PRK Eye Surgery
While the surgery is generally safe, there are some risks of the PRK surgery, such as:
- Dry Eyes: Temporary dryness that can be managed with eye drops.
- Glare or Halos: Temporary visual disturbances, especially at night.
- Sensitivity to Light: Common after surgery, but wearing sunglasses can help.
- Undercorrection or Overcorrection: Additional procedures may be needed for optimal results.
- Infection or Inflammation: Proper post-operative care, including eye drops and follow-up visits, minimises the chances of having infections and inflammations.
Understanding these risks and discussing them with your surgeon before proceeding is essential. Following the precautions as instructed by the doctor is also very important for reducing the risks after the PRK procedure.
Precautions After PRK Surgery
Some do’s and don’ts after PRK surgery are as follows:
- Minimize UV exposure by wearing sunglasses outdoors.
- Refrain from rubbing or touching your eyes: This can dislodge the protective contact lens and may require an additional visit to your doctor for a replacement.
- Avoid strenuous activities or exercise: Sweat can further irritate and dry out your sensitive eyes.
- Avoid driving: Wait to drive until your doctor has confirmed that it is safe for you to do so.
- Stay out of pools, hot tubs, and steam rooms: While you can shower the day after the procedure, prevent soap or water from getting near your eyes.
- Steer clear of dusty, smoky, or dirty environments: Keep this is mind to protect your eyes.
- Skip eye makeup: Avoid using makeup or skin creams around the eye area for at least one week after the surgery.
- Minimise exposure to bright lights: Reduce discomfort and protect your eyes during healing.
Cost of PRK Eye Surgery in India
The cost of PRK laser eye surgery in India varies based on factors such as the location, surgeon’s experience, and technology used. At Planet Lasik, the starting price is ₹97,900.
FAQs
What is the full form of PRK surgery?
The full form of PRK surgery is Photorefractive Keratectomy surgery.