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PRK
The FDA first approved the excimer laser for PRK (Photo-Refractive Keratectomy) in 1995 before LASIK had become a household word. The precursor to LASIK, PRK reshapes the cornea with the excimer laser to improve one's vision. The main difference between PRK and LASIK is that there is no flap created with PRK. The goal of PRK is to reduce or eliminate a patient's dependency on glasses or contact lenses.
The advantage of PRK is that a patient with thin corneas may be a candidate for this vision correction procedure and yet not for LASIK. The disadvantage of PRK is the longer recovery period. The eye surgeon applies the excimer laser to the top layer of the cornea, reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive power. Our doctors use the excimer laser for PRK, as well as for LASIK, Epi-LASIK, and LASEK. The amazing tracking system on our excimer laser gives our patients and the doctor the confidence that the exact amount of laser treatment is being delivered precisely to the correct place on your eye.
After the procedure the doctor places a bandage contact lens on one's eye to help the patient be more comfortable. Patients can notice improved vision very soon, but usually have blurred vision for approximately one week as the cornea heals. Many patients prefer to have a couple weeks between both eyes being treated.
 "I was a borderline patient to have LASIK. After consulting with Dr. Barton, I chose PRK and couldn’t be happier with the outcome. The best thing I like about the surgery is that I completely forget that I ever had vision problems. Having worn contacts to correct for distance and being a CPA, I still had to read most of the day and wore reading glasses over the contacts. Now my contacts and glasses are a distant memory. Being apprehensive about the surgery, I had one eye corrected for distance and was able to leave the other eye uncorrected for reading, effectively having mono or blended vision as a result. But I still kept a spare contact for distance in my uncorrected eye, in case I needed it for playing sports, like golf. However, a year into playing golf with mono-vision I have not found the need to use the contact. I see everything normal and have no trouble following the ball even when it’s hit deep down the fairway or deep into the woods. In fact, I rarely realize I have mono-vision. PRK gave me 20/15 vision, so I can now see better than I ever had. Thank you Dr. Barton and the great staff at Premier Eye Care." Bill Heavner |
 "I am a music therapist and I work with very young children (ages 0-3). I am thrilled that I can get very close to them and not have to worry about them touching or pulling my glasses. Also, I do a lot of driving for my job, and I love being able to just pull out my sunglasses and not having to deal with prescription sunglasses or a sun clip. I thought Dr. Brent and his staff were very professional, yet personable at the same time. They made me comfortable throughout the whole process, from the first meeting to the follow-up visits. I especially appreciated the nurses in the preparation/recovery room on the day of the surgery. They were so kind and relaxed and made sure I was calm before the procedure." Kate Sestrick |
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