PRK: Today, laser surgery to restore vision is becoming more and more popular. Such procedures are especially relevant in the digital age because all electronic gadgets adversely affect human vision. Yes, you can wear glasses or contact lenses, but this is not very convenient and can cause discomfort. Therefore, more and more people are starting to do eye surgery. And one of the methods of such surgery is called PRK.
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a vision restoration technique that uses an excimer laser. This procedure makes it possible to act on the surface layers of the corneal tissue, while at the same time not affecting the internal structure of the eye. Thanks to the use of the most modern technologies, this type of eye surgery gives a very effective result in a short time. After such manipulations, the focus of the image on the retina improves and the patient can forget about poor vision. Also after PRK there are no unpleasant consequences in the long term and the recovery period is considered to be short.
Previously, PRK was the most popular laser surgery technique. Now people prefer LASIK more often. However, the first option is still in demand and sometimes even preferable. For example, if a person has a too thin cornea or too wide pupils. There are some differences between PRK and LASIK. For example, LASIK revives vision faster and is more gentle. After it, recovery is faster and painless. However, it has a higher price, which can sometimes be a decisive factor not in its favor. However, it has a higher price, which can sometimes be a decisive factor not in its favor. The cost of LASIK eye surgery vision correction ranges from $2,200 to $3,200 per eye, and the cost of PRK eye surgery ranges from $1,800 to $2,800 per eye.
PRK eye surgery can treat conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. In the treatment of nearsightedness, the surgeon flattens the cornea, which shifts the focal image on the retina and allows the person to see better. When correcting farsightedness, the reverse process occurs. The cornea is made more convex and this makes it possible to shift the focal image forward. During the operation, which involves the treatment of astigmatism, the surface of the cornea is given the correct spherical shape.
How is the operation going?
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis within 10-15 minutes. Before starting the operation, the patient is offered a sedative and then an anesthetic is instilled into the eye. After the anesthetic takes effect, a special eyelid expander is inserted into the eye, which prevents blinking. Next, the person is asked to fix their gaze on a luminous point in order to center the eye. If necessary, the eye can be fixed with a special ring. After that, the outer layer of the cornea is removed in the place where the laser exposure will be performed. The emitter forms the correct surface of the cornea under the supervision of a doctor. After the procedure, the surgeon inserts a special lens into the eye for protection.
Postoperative period
After the PRK surgery, the doctor will again conduct an examination, prescribe the necessary medications for admission, and give instructions that will need to be followed. For several weeks after the procedure, special drops will need to be instilled into the eyes. The first few days this should be done about 5 times a day. After 3-4 days, the frequency of instillation will decrease.
Itching, soreness, and sensitivity to light may occur shortly after surgery. This is because the laser vaporizes a small part of the cornea, which is a burn to the eyes. There will be profuse lacrimation. Thus, the body tries to protect the wounded surface. In such a situation, sunglasses will help. They will resist the light entering the eyes, as well as protect from wind and dust. At first, glare in the eyes may be observed. It’s not scary, because they will quickly pass.
If the eyes are very sore, it is recommended to take painkillers. On the first day after the operation, it is necessary to exclude mechanical effects on the eyes. This means that they can not be touched and rubbed with your hands. This is necessary so that folds do not form on the corneal flap or it does not move. Tears can be gently wiped with a tissue.
The next morning after surgery, vision may become blurry, but this will quickly pass. Also, many patients develop dry eye syndrome. It is accompanied by itching and a feeling of sand in the eyes. You can’t touch your eyes, so you don’t need to wash your face and use cosmetics. This condition can be relieved by drugs prescribed by a doctor.
After 1-2 days, your vision improves and you can look at the world in a new way. However, close up, it is possible that vision will not focus well. Also, the left and right eyes can see differently. There is nothing to worry about and this effect will pass after a while.
A week after the operation, the vision will become noticeably better and the discomfort will almost completely disappear. Less often you will need to use drops, but the main thing is to continue to observe discipline. You must still take all the medicines on schedule, and follow all the doctor’s instructions. Approximately two weeks after the operation, you can start doing eye exercises. It is needed to train the muscles responsible for far and near vision.
Usually, one month after PRK laser eye surgery, the recovery phase is completed. However, evening and night vision may still not be ideal. It will take several months for it to fully normalize. After 30 days, patients return to their usual lifestyle and enjoy positive changes.
Eye Care Tips After Surgery
- At first, you can not rub or touch your eyes
- It is forbidden to use cosmetics for a while
- Limit heavy physical exertion for several months after the procedure
- Do not drink alcohol
- Limit eye strain and avoid eye fatigue. This can lead to discomfort and a prolonged recovery period.
- Avoid overheating of the body. Do not go to the bathhouse, sauna and the beach for several months
- Avoid hypothermia
- Do not self-medicate
- Take all medications prescribed by your doctor
- Be sure to come for repeated examinations to the ophthalmologist
PRK vision treatment is a great opportunity to improve your life. However, you need to take responsibility for the operation so that the results are the way you want them to be. After the procedure, follow all the doctor’s instructions and take good care of your eyes. In this case, everything will be fine and life will be able to sparkle with new colors.