Have you been told you’re not a good candidate for LASIK but still want to enjoy clear vision without needing glasses and contacts? PRK is a popular LASIK alternative that offers the same visual benefits and can help you achieve the eyesight of your dreams.
Our dedicated team at The Omaha and Lincoln Eye and Laser Insititute is passionate about helping patients enjoy visual freedom. Even if you aren’t a good candidate for LASIK, we are proud to make crystal-clear vision more accessible by offering PRK to qualified patients.
What is PRK?
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a vision correction procedure that can help patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism achieve clearer eyesight and reduce their reliance on visual aids. These common vision problems are usually caused by an eye that is too long or too short or an irregularly shaped cornea.
The result is that when light enters the eye, it doesn’t hit the retina at the right spot, leading to unfocused vision. PRK solves this by reshaping the cornea so light reaches the retina at the optimal place for clear vision.
Once you’ve recovered from PRK, you can stop relying on glasses and contacts for clear eyesight and start enjoying more freedom in all aspects of your life.
How to Prepare for PRK
To prepare for PRK, you must first attend a consultation with your eye doctor at The Omaha and Lincoln Eye and Laser Center. They will perform a thorough eye exam and ask questions about your lifestyle and medical history to determine whether PRK could be right for you.
Typically, good PRK candidates:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have had stable vision for at least one year
- Are not pregnant or nursing
- Are in good overall health and don’t have conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjogren’s syndrome
- Do not have eye conditions like advanced cataracts or glaucoma, persistent eye infections, or corneal scarring
- Have healthy corneas
- Have realistic expectations about the visual outcomes of PRK
Make sure to arrange a ride to and from your procedure and post-operative follow-up appointment, as you will not be able to drive immediately after surgery. It also helps to prepare for recovery by having ready-to-eat meals, a comfortable place to rest, and entertainment like podcasts or audiobooks to listen to while your eyes heal.
What to Expect During PRK
Before undergoing PRK, your surgeon will numb your eyes with anesthetic eye drops. They will also use an eyelid holder to gently keep your eyes open during the procedure.
Then, they will remove the epithelium or the outer layer of the cornea. Your surgeon will use an excimer laser to reshape the corneal tissue beneath.
They will complete this short 15-minute procedure by placing a special contact lens over your eyes to work as bandages while you heal.
How Long is PRK Recovery?
While most patients notice visual improvements within three to five days, reaching peak vision will likely take over a month. During that time, your vision will continue to sharpen as your eyes heal.
Immediately after the procedure, your eye doctor will give you special eye drops that prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Make sure to apply them according to their instructions and follow other precautions such as:
- Not rubbing your eyes
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors
- Not driving until you’re cleared to do so
- Refraining from strenuous physical activity
At your follow-up appointments at The Omaha and Lincoln Eye and Laser Institute, your eye doctor will assess how your eyes are healing and let you know when it’s safe to return to your normal routine.
Then, you can start enjoying crystal-clear vision and reduced reliance on visual aids during all of your favorite activities! Imagine how much easier it will be to travel, play sports, work, socialize, and get through your busy schedule without having to worry about clear eyesight!
Do you want to learn more about achieving visual freedom with PRK? Schedule an appointment at The Omaha and Lincoln Eye and Laser Institute in Omaha or Lincoln, NE, today!
