LASEK / PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

Previous non-candidates may be candidates for laser vision correction. PRK, an early laser treatment, was first performed in 1987 in Germany. It is a laser surgical procedure effective in correcting low to moderate degrees of nearsightedness and astigmatism. PRK is technically more simple to perform than LASIK because there is no corneal flap created. The surgeon removes a portion of the corneas surface cells, and uses the excimer laser to vaporize away microscopic amounts of corneal tissue. By modifying the shape of the cornea, light rays are allowed to focus correctly on the retina to provide clear vision. One of the biggest limitations to PRK in the past was the variability in healing which limited the range of predictable correction. With the advancement of lasers as well as the sophistication of treatments and pharmaceuticals, these problems have been essentially solved. Results for previous non-candidates have been excellent with these revised technologies and techniques. Variations are now called LASEK, Epi-LASIK, E-LASIK and Advanced Surface Ablation. In certain patients, PRK is the procedure of choice.