PRK Eye Surgery
Wearing glasses or contacts can be a hassle, but if you have thin corneas, you may not qualify for LASIK.
For the right candidates, PRK eye surgery may be a better way to reduce or eliminate the need for corrective lenses.
Why should I consider PRK?
Fast, Safe, and Effective Treatment
A Quick Outpatient Procedure
PRK can usually be completed in about 15 minutes, and your designated driver can take you home shortly after your procedure.
Low Risk of Complications
Since PRK does not involve creating a flap in the cornea, there is no risk of flap complications. PRK patients with active jobs or lifestyles do not have to worry about the flap dislodging and causing issues.
Good for Thin or Thick Corneas
To qualify for LASIK, your cornea must be thick enough to accommodate the flap. However, because PRK does not involve creating a tissue flap, it can provide an effective alternative.
PRK Eye Surgery Can Improve Your Quality of Life
*According to a study published in Cureus
Studies also show that 94 percent of PRK patients experience improved vision as long as 12 years after surgery.
Age, Health, and Lifestyle Determine Your Eligibility
Age
PRK is typically only recommended to patients who are at least 18 years old since the eyes can continue developing into early adulthood.Ocular Health
The best candidates are free of issues such as dry eyes and keratoconus, have not suffered eye trauma in the past year, and have had a stable glasses prescription for at least a year.Overall Health
Some autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis may disqualify you from PRK, as it can trigger corneal deterioration and other complications.Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not undergo PRK until at least three months after breastfeeding has ended because fluctuating hormone levels can affect your vision.But Am I Going To Pay More than LASIK Patients?
PRK usually costs about the same as LASIK, which cost an average of $2,088 per eye in 2017. Therefore, the real deciding factor comes down to the characteristics of your eyes, your lifestyle, and your doctor's recommendation.
Fifteen Minutes to Clearer Vision
On the day of your PRK procedure, eat a light meal, take all prescription medication, and remove any eye makeup. PRK eye surgery takes 15 minutes at most for both eyes.
Before beginning, your doctor will apply numbing eye drops.
Your doctor will remove the epithelium (the outermost layer of your cornea).
Using a highly precise femtosecond laser, your doctor will reshape your cornea.
Your doctor will apply a bandage contact lens to protect your eye.
You will likely attend a follow-up visit the day after your procedure.
Five to seven days after PRK, you will return to your doctor’s office to have the contacts removed.
What Will My Vision Be Like after PRK?
It can take up to six months for your vision to fully stabilize. Once you have healed, you can expect a significantly reduced need for corrective eyewear. Many patients find that they don't need glasses or contacts at all. However, it is important to remember that PRK does not stop the aging process or related changes in vision. Presbyopia, for example, may cause you to eventually need a touch-up treatment or to begin wearing reading glasses.
Clear Vision for Years or Even Decades
You'll Be Driving Again in One to Three Weeks
PRK recovery takes longer than LASIK recovery due to the amount of tissue removed during surgery. Immediately after surgery, you should have someone drive you home. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. It will take a few days for the epithelial cells to regenerate, and your vision will be blurry during this time.
You will receive antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection during initial recovery. You will also receive prescription meds for pain management. Most patients can safely drive within one to three weeks. It may take up to six months for your vision to fully stabilize.
The average cost of PRK is about $1,800 per eye. Unfortunately, since laser eye surgery is an elective treatment for vision correction, it is usually not covered by insurance. However, you may have partial coverage which can slightly reduce your cost.
Certain Factors Can Increase the Cost of PRK
Type of Vision Condition
If you suffer from nearsightedness or farsightedness with astigmatism, the cost of your PRK surgery will usually be higher.
Degree of Refractive Error
Correcting a higher degree of refractive error usually requires a more complex approach. This can increase the cost of your procedure.
Customization
Traditional PRK is typically less expensive than custom PRK. This is because the customized technique requires the use of wavefront technology.Sedation
A local anesthetic will be applied to the eye to numb the treatment area. However, if you feel anxious, sedation can also be provided at an additional cost.
Yes, and You May Even Consider Medical Tourism for Your PRK Surgery
Medical tourism has become increasingly popular for all types of procedures in recent years. Some patients are turning their vacations into an opportunity to undergo laser eye surgery at a fraction of the cost compared to treatment in the U.S. Countries in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and even Europe have become popular medical tourism destinations for PRK and LASIK surgery. In some places, you can even treat both eyes for the price of one.
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Local
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Abroad
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| Lower procedure cost | ||
| More convenient | ||
| Consistent medical care | ||
| Comfort of friends and family | ||
| Follow-up care with a single doctor |
There Are Financing Options to Help You Afford Surgery
Lenders such as CareCredit® offer financing or you can take out a personal loan.
Check with your physician to ensure they accept the card you intend to use.
PRK Can Drastically Improve Your Quality of Life
Lenders such as CareCredit® offer financing or you can take out a personal loan.
Check with your physician to ensure they accept the card you intend to use.
Investing in a single PRK surgery can provide you with improved vision for a lifetime.
You Have Options to Correct Your Vision
While many patients have successfully improved their vision with PRK, it is not ideal for everyone. LASIK is a popular surgical alternative, but patients who are nervous about surgery can also consider orthokeratology or corrective eyewear. During a consultation, your doctor can help guide you to the best solution.
Effective Alternatives to PRK
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If you qualify for LASIK, you may choose it because the recovery time is shorter. However, PRK does not carry the risks associated with the creation of a corneal flap.
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These specialized contacts are worn at night to temporarily reshape your cornea and provide clearer vision during the day. However, ortho-k only works as long as you wear the lenses.
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If you are not ready to undergo surgery, you can continue to wear glasses or contacts. But remember that corrective eyewear can make certain activities, such as swimming, more difficult.
Cost Breakdowns
| Treatment | Estimated Cost |
| PRK | $1,000-$2,500 per eye |
| LASIK | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Glasses | $196 for frames and lenses |
| Contacts | $280-$400 per year |
| Ortho-k | $1,000-$2,000 |
It is important to note that while non-surgical options may seem like significant cost savings, glasses, contacts, and ortho-k have on-going expenses such as refilling prescriptions, exams, and replacing lenses that add up over a lifetime.
PRK Requires the Longest Recovery
LASIK Surgery
Most patients can return to work the very next day after LASIK eye surgery. However, it can take several days or more for PRK patients to fully recover.Ortho-K, Glasses & Contacts
Since none of these treatment options permanently modify the eye in any way, you can go about your regular daily activities with no downtime whatsoever.Take the First Step Today
If you are tired of the daily hassles of contacts or glasses, you owe it to yourself to explore the possibility of refractive surgery. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor today to learn more.
