Photorefractive Keratectomy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 29, 2024.
What is photorefractive keratectomy?
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is laser surgery to correct refractive errors of the eye. Refractive errors are common eye disorders that cause blurred vision. These errors happen when there is a problem in the refraction (bending) of light in the eye. They are often caused by an abnormal shape and texture of the cornea. The cornea is the clear outer layer of your eye. PRK uses a laser to reshape your cornea or make it smoother. This helps light to focus better in the eye, which leads to clearer vision.
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How do I prepare for PRK?
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare for surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and stay with you for a few hours. You may be groggy or sleepy for several hours after surgery. It is important to have someone available to help you and watch for problems that need immediate care.
- You may need to stop wearing your soft contact lenses at least 1 week before surgery. You may need to stop wearing your gas-permeable contact lenses at least 3 weeks before surgery.
- Do not wear eye makeup, lotion, or hairspray on the day of your surgery.
- Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to help you stay calm and relaxed during surgery. Tell the provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to anesthesia or numbing medicine.
What will happen during PRK?
- Your healthcare provider will place eyedrops into your eyes. These include antibiotic eyedrops to help prevent infection and numbing drops to prevent pain. Your eyelashes and the area around your eyes will be cleaned. A speculum (eyelid holder) will gently hold your eyelids open to keep you from blinking. The laser will be programmed to correct your refraction error.
- Your healthcare provider will remove the epithelium of your cornea with the laser. The epithelium is a thin layer of tissue that covers and protects the cornea. He or she will tell you to focus on a target light while he reshapes your cornea. It is important to keep your gaze focused on the light so the laser can work correctly. A soft bandage contact lens may be placed into each of your eyes to help the corneas heal.
What will happen after PRK?
- A lens will be put in your eye to protect it while you heal. You will keep it in for about a week after surgery. Your provider will remove it when you have healed.
- A bandage and protective clear plastic eye shield may be used to cover your eye. This will help remind you to not rub or touch your eye.
- Medicines will be given as eyedrops to prevent a bacterial infection and reduce inflammation. You may also be given pain medicine.
- You will need to see your eye specialist soon after surgery and then regularly for the first 6 months. This is to make sure your eye is healing properly and your vision is stable. After 6 months, you should not notice any more changes in your vision. You may need to have another procedure if your vision changes after 6 months.
- Your provider will tell you when it is okay to start driving again. This is usually in about 1 to 3 weeks after surgery.
What are the risks of PRK?
You may get an infection. Nerves or blood vessels may be damaged during surgery. You may need another eye surgery. It may take longer than expected for your cornea to heal. You may have increased pain. Your vision may be worse than before surgery. You may develop glaucoma (increased pressure), cataracts (clouding of the lens), or long-term inflammation. You may lose your vision. You may have dry eyes. Scars may form on your corneas. You may have other eye problems, such as permanent glare, haze, or halos around lights at night.
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