PRK, Photo Refractive Keratoplasty, Laser Surgery Denver Colorado

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Laser Surgery

InSight Lasik offers the most effective and technologically advanced procedures for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) laser surgery throughout the Denver, Colorado area. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) was the first procedure performed using the excimer laser. The difference between PRK and LASIK is that with LASIK a corneal flap is created and the laser is applied to the inner tissue of the cornea. With PRK, the epithelium (or outer layer of the cornea) is removed and a laser is applied to the surface of the cornea. PRK can be used to correct low to high levels of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.

To treat nearsightedness with PRK, the steep cornea is made flatter by removing tissue from the center of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from in front of the retina to directly on the retina.

To treat farsightedness with PRK, the flat cornea is made steeper To treat farsightedness with PRK, the flat cornea is made steeper by removing tissue outside of the central optical zone of the cornea. This moves the point of focus from behind the retina to directly on the retina. To treat astigmatism with PRK, the cornea is made more spherical -- like a basketball instead of a football. This eliminates multiple focusing points within the eye and creates one point of focus on the retina. Astigmatism can be treated at the same time as nearsightedness and farsightedness

On Procedure Day

You will arrive at the InSight Lasik facility in Lafayette, Colorado, a short drive from downtown Denver, about forty-five minutes prior to your procedure. Once you have been checked in you will be offered a sedative to help you relax. You will then be prepared for photorefractive keratectomy surgery. The area around your eyes will be cleaned and a sterile drape may be applied around your eye. Anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb your eyes; no injections or needles will be used. When your eye is completely numb, an eyelid holder will be placed between your eyelids to keep you from blinking during the procedure.

Next, Dr. Warren Tripp or Dr.C. Starck Johnson will remove the epithelium, a thin layer of protective skin that covers the cornea. Then you will be asked to look directly at a target light while the laser reshapes your cornea. The laser will be programmed with the information gathered in your pre-operative exam. The laser treatment will be completed in less than a minute or two, depending on the amount of correction needed.

Following your procedure, your eye(s) will be examined with a slit lamp microscope. Your eyes will be shielded for protection with soft clear contact lenses called bandage contact lenses. You will have these on to help the healing for the first 3 to 5 days. Your vision may be blurry or hazy for one to five days. You will experience some discomfort as the epithelium heals and covers the treated area. Eye drops, pain medication and possibly a protective contact lens can be used to minimize this discomfort. Most of our Denver, Colorado patients resume normal activities within one to three days. Vision can fluctuate for up to six months

PRK is for those who:

want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts

are over 18 years of age

have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year

have corneas too thin for LASIK

have large pupils