PRK/LASEK

What is PRK surgery?

PRK or photo-refractive keratectomy was the first vision correction procedure to use excimer lasers.

In PRK eye treatment, no corneal flap is cut, instead the outer layer of cells from the surface of the cornea are removed entirely and subsequently grow back as part of the healing process.

After the PRK surgery, the surgeon places a soft contact lens over the eye to help the outer layer to grow back and this can take 3-5 days, during that period, the patient may experience discomfort and blurred vision. PRK treatment takes longer to achieve a result than LASIK, but because surgeons do not create or manipulate a corneal flap, it is technically easier to perform PRK surgery than LASIK.

PRK eye surgery has successfully treated millions of patients since its introduction in the 1980's

At London Vision Clinic, Professor Reinstein and Mr. Carp perform the PRK operation only in 5-10% of cases. They mainly use this procedure for patients with unusually thin or flat corneas, which would make LASIK impractical.

Having decided I wanted PRK I had to decide where to go. Optimax refused to do PRK as they said my prescription was too high. Some other places only offer LASIK. I booked (a) consultation (with you), mainly because of the information on your website saying all of the surgery was done by one man with lots of experience. — Andrew D., Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire

What can PRK surgery treat?

PRK can correct of a full range of conditions, including myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and astigmatism.

What are the advantages of PRK surgery?

Although the result achieved can be as good as those by either LASIK or LASEK, with PRK treatment the cornea's surface is mechanically removed and therefore discomfort and recovery times are significantly higher. Generally, vision will be good enough to drive a car within two to three weeks following surgery, but you may not achieve your best vision until 6 weeks to 3 months following PRK eye surgery.

A note on brand names used for PRK in the UK

In the UK, many clinics use other names to attempt to differentiate what is effectively the same procedure. These brand names include: Ultra-LASEK, UltraLASEKplus, EPI-LASEK etc. These names represent the same treatment, guided by a wavefront aberrometer, and clinics usually offer these treatments at a higher cost than conventional LASEK or PRK. In contrast, London Vision Clinic provides all of its patients PRK or LASEK guided by a wavefront aberrometer if they need it — without additional cost. In the interest of clarity, we just call it PRK.

What is LASEK surgery?

Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) is a relatively new procedure and similar to LASIK, except with the LASEK operation a corneal flap cut is from the protective tissue layer over the eye (the epithelium) and not the cornea beneath. As this corneal flap is very thin, a surgeon must loosen it with an alcohol solution before he can lift it.

In all other aspects the LASEK surgery is identical to LASIK and follows the same broad steps:

1. The dimensions and properties of the untreated eye are measured using wavefront analysis and topographical mapping and through diagnostic instruments such as a Pachymeter or an Artemis. From these measurements, a surgeon can calculate the necessary and precise amount of LASEK surgery.
2. LASEK surgery is a blade free eye surgery. The epithelial corneal flap is cut, but not completely removed and remains anchored on one side - allowing it to be replaced in an identical position.
3. The surgeon raises the corneal flap, and an excimer laser sculpts the bed of the cornea to match to the dimensions determined before the LASEK operation.
4. The surgeon replaces the epithelial corneal flap, within minutes, natural forces hold it in place, and the LASEK surgery is complete.

What can the LASEK operation treat?

Surgeons use LASEK surgery to correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. LASEK is most suited to patients with unusually thin or flat corneas.

What are the advantages of LASEK surgery?

In general terms the advantages of LASEK are identical to those of LASIK, however there is a degree more discomfort and a slightly extended healing time with LASEK.

If you want to know more about your suitability for PRK surgery or LASEK surgery

Contact a patient education consultant on 0800 587 4705 to learn more about PRK / LASEK surgery and other laser eye surgery procedures.