PRK Eye Surgery

PRK Laser Eye Surgery Information

Meaning — > Photorefractive Keratectomy = PRK

PRK Surgery

The first PRK surgeries were performed in Germany in the late 80’s the FDA’s first approval for PRK in the United States was in 1995. This laser procedure is very effective in treating patients that have nearsightedness and astigmatism.  This procedure is fairly simple and straightforward to perform as there is no knife used to create a corneal flap. The surgeon will wipe away the PRK Eye Surgerycorneas surface cells called the epithelium using a special brush and then the surgeon will use a computer-guided laser to remove microscopic layers of tissue from the cornea. The laser used for PRK surgery is a special laser which is a cool ultraviolet light beam. The cornea is reshaped to allow the light to focus correctly on the retina that will provide the patient with clear vision.

The PRK Laser Surgery

All our patients will undergo a very comprehensive eye exam and a series of eye tests. The doctor will discuss the proper plan for your eye condition and if PRK laser eye surgery is the correct path he will explain the procedure and answer any of your questions during the consultation process.  When you arrive on the day of the surgery you will be guided through the entire process by your surgeon.  You will be given some topical anesthetic eye drops to numb the eye for a completely painless correction.  Before the laser is used on your eye the center surface area of the epithelium is removed with a special tool. This portion of the surface of the eye will heal naturally and quickly within a few days of the surgery. When the epithelium is removed the only the stroma is exposed and this is the section of the eye that is reshaped by the laser to correct your vision. During the procedure, the surgeon will use the laser with a pre-program generated from the comprehensive eye exam that will reshape your stroma and correct the patient’s vision. After the PRK laser surgery, the surgeon will place a contact lens on the eye to help the healing process and also to aid in comfort. Typically, the lens is worn for 3 to 4 days to allow the eye’s epithelium is regenerated and fully heal.

PRK Post Surgery

After about a week you should have clear crisp vision after the PRK laser surgery. Most people can see much better right after the surgery but the full results are not seen after the healing is complete in about a weeks time. Some blurry vision is normal because the surface area of the eye, the epithelium needs to fully heal, regenerate and smooth back. Some patients may experience some temporary effects which are normal during the healing process. Some which may include: dry eyes, light sensitivity, halos, glare and sometimes unclear vision in low light conditions. The complete healing time and vision stabilization normally takes about 1 – 4 months.  Your surgeon will discuss any and all possible complications during your initial consultation. Remember no two peoples eyes are the same and healing times and conditions will vary.

Your doctor will require you to use eye drops after your PRK laser surgery.  Each case is different but usually, you may be required to use anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and moisturizing eye drops. Sometimes patients may require steroid drops after your procedure Dr. Roberts will instruct you on which eye drops are required for you and your condition.

It is normal and is much more common to have some discomfort with PRK surgery when compared with LASIK surgery.  Most patients experience slight discomfort for a couple of days following the PRK laser surgery. Normally this is treated with over the counter medications to relieve any discomfort. Very few patients will experience more discomfort requiring a prescription pain reliever.


Overview of PRK Surgery

Photo-refractive keratectomy, also known as PRK, is a procedure that corrects vision by reshaping the cornea. This procedure can be used to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. First, anesthetic eye drops will be used to numb the eyes; no injections or needles will be used. Next, the surgeon will remove the epithelium, a thin layer of protective skin that covers the cornea. Then, computer-controlled pulses of laser light are delivered to reshape the 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.

Our Practice

At Shady Grove Ophthalmology, we understand the importance of your vision. Dr. Anthony O. Roberts is committed to using some of the most advanced technology available for vision correction, cataract removal, and treatment of eye disease. With innovative laser systems, multi-focal intraocular lens implants, and state-of-the-art techniques for cataract surgery, Dr. Roberts aims to give all of our patients the safest, most effective eye treatments. Our entire office staff prides itself on delivering personalized premium quality eye care to all our patients.

Our Patients Say It Best...

Dr. Roberts and his staff are amazing!!!!

"Dr. Roberts and his staff are amazing!!!! From my 1st call to make an appointment to my post-op cataract appointment, he and his staff were helpful, friendly and patient. I am so happy to have found Dr. Roberts. After many years of blurry vision, he totally corrected it. This office was a true find. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Roberts."

- Karol W.

My experience was phenomenal...

"My experience was phenomenal, all the staff is friendly. Dr. Roberts treated me well, was very helpful in explaining the process. I would highly recommend anyone to Dr. Roberts. Thank you for giving me a new view of life."

- Henry

I highly recommend Dr. Roberts...

"I highly recommend Dr. Roberts he did an excellent job on my LASIK surgery!"

Manuela G.

20/20 vision restored one day after surgery...

"Dr. Roberts was wonderful. I was treated for a cataract which had significantly reduced vision in my right eye. Dr. Roberts walked me through what to expect with the surgery beforehand. The surgery was completely painless and took less than 30 minutes. I now have my pre cataract 20/20 vision restored one day after surgery. I can highly recommend Dr. Roberts and his team!"

Robert H.

Dr. Roberts was incredibly knowledgeable...

"Dr. Roberts was incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating through my LASIK evaluation, procedure, and post-op. I would absolutely recommend him."

Rayon

Dr. Anthony Roberts is a great doctor...

"Dr. Anthony Roberts is a great doctor-competent and friendly. His office staff is courteous and accommodating. I had cataract surgeries in both my eyes with laser and could not be more satisfied! I highly recommend Dr. Roberts."

Rakesh Bansil, M.D.

The office staff was so professional...

"The office staff was so professional and courteous and the doctor was very reassuring about post-operative progress so happy with results!"

Suzanne T.

I am very satisfied...

"I am very satisfied with the fantastic surgery work of Doctor Anthony Roberts. I didn’t feel any pain at all during and after the surgery., Now, everything is sharper and no blur and no glare. I will really recommend him to friends & family. I will ask him to do my right eye! Thank you so much, Dr. Roberts."

Alphine R.

I can see better than I have in years...

"Dr. Roberts did cataract surgery on my left eye and I can see better than I have in years. The procedure was so quick and easy. The surgery center was great Dr. Roberts is very professional yet friendly and easy to talk to. His office staff is excellent. I never had a problem getting an appointment and have never waited long in the office."

Jane G.

Dr. Roberts’ a very warm and easy going doctor...

"Dr. Roberts’ a very warm and easy going doctor. He did my LASIK procedure and then followed up with me that night to make sure everything was ok. I would definitely recommend him to anyone that wants LASIK done. Thanks, Dr. Roberts!"

Wendi C.

Cataract surgery with Dr. Roberts and couldn’t be more satisfied with results...

"Had cataract surgery with Dr. Roberts and couldn’t be more satisfied with results, my vision was 20/20 already the day after surgery. Was impressed that Dr. Roberts followed up the evening after surgery with a phone call to see how I was doing. Would highly recommend Dr. Roberts for his professionalism and use of latest technology. The office staff is also professional, thorough and very helpful. Great overall experience."

Pete A.

I had a really positive experience at Shady Grove Ophthalmology...

"I had a really positive experience at Shady Grove Ophthalmology. I had PRK surgery. Dr. Roberts explained the process and walked me through everything during the surgery. He even called me on a Sunday evening to follow-up with me making sure I was feeling okay after the surgery. The front office staff was also friendly. I definitely recommend Dr. Roberts!"

- Sharon C.

The outcome exceeded my expectations...

"I can't say enough about how professional, knowledgeable and kind Dr. Roberts is. I had cataract surgery and was nervous about the procedure. He immediately put me at ease when he explained the process and assured me that it would go well. I felt comfortable asking him questions and he answered them with a great amount of respect, understanding, and patience. The outcome exceeded my expectations. I also loved and appreciated his caring staff. I highly recommend Dr. Roberts. Super grateful for the excellent work he does!"

Robin G.