PRK Surgery
Surface Laser Treatment – Alternatives for Regular LASIK Procedures
These include an array of laser vision correction procedures-
Advanced Surface Ablations (ASA)
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
Laser Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy (LASEK)
Epi-LASEK
Trans-PRK
These procedures have been approved by the US FDA. These techniques are preferred in thin corneas. No flap is made in such procedure.
In this surgery also the same excimer laser which is used in LASIK is used. The results obtained with LASIK, PRK and LASEK are comparable.
The difference lies in the technique of doing the procedure:
PRK – instead of making a flap, the surgeon removes a very thin layer of the cornea (epithelium-like the skin) with alcohol. The stromal bed is then reshaped with excimer LASER. A new layer of epithelium grows back within 5 days.
LASEK – is combination of PRK and LASIK. The epithelium removed in PRK is discarded. But in LASEK the same epithelium is preserved and put back at the end of the surgery. Just like the flap (which is much thicker) in LASIK is repositioned back. In LASEK the ultra-thin epithelium is repositioned back.
Epi- LASEK – is very similar to LASEK, just that instead of alcohol a blunt blade is used to separate the epithelium.
Trans-PRK- in this technique even the epithelium is removed by laser. So there is minimum or no tissue handling. Almost completely robotic as all steps are done by the machine.
LASEK, PRK and LASIK all have similar visual outcomes and very high success rates.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) – Advanced Surface ablations
In this procedure a corneal flap is not made. Instead, a very thin epithelial layer of the cornea is removed. Exposed stromal bed is reshaped with excimer laser. A soft contact lens is placed temporarily to aid healing. The epithelium grows back in 5-6 days.
No flap related complications as there is no flap like in LASIK
What to expect during surgery?
Before surgery-
You will be examined by our eye specialist. All necessary tests will be conducted.
You will be guided if you are suitable for this procedure
Your doctor will explain you all the benefits and risk of these procedures
During Surgery
It is an OPD procedure so not hospitalisation is required.
Surgery will less than 10 minutes.
Your doctor will put anaesthetic drops to numb the eye
A speculum will be placed in your eye to keep it open.
You will be asked to look at the light from the laser machine.
After the surgery contact lens will be put in your eyes.
After Surgery
After the procedure out doctor will check if everything is fine and the you can go home.
You may experience pain and discomfort for first 24 – 36 hrs
Vision may be blurred in the first week but you need not worry as it will recover eventually.
You need to follow post op instructions strictly.
You will have to put eyedrops as prescribed by your doctor
It is advisable to take rest for the first few days following the surgery
You need to wear sunglasses while stepping out
It may take upto 3 months for vision to stabilize
Advantages of PRK and surface ablation procedures:
Alternative option for those who are not good candidates for LASIK
Preferred by athletes , since there is no flap
Better corneal biomechanical stability
Can be done in thin corneas
Tissue saving
US FDA approved
Disadvantages of PRK and surface ablation procedures
Discomfort after surgery for 5-6 days until the epithelium heals back
Vision recovery takes longer than LASIK
Procedure is painful
Disadvantages of Surface Procedures
Discomfort after Surgery
Any of the surface ablation procedures chosen give rise to post op discomfort. The epithelium takes 3-5 days to heal completely. During this time one may experience pain, discomfort and foreign body sensation.
Longer recovery period
You will be counselled about the recovery time. Since the epithelium takes around 3- 5 days to grow back completely. Most patients cannot get back to their routine activities until then. Vision recovery also takes a few days and the complete results may be seen over 3- 6 months time.
Corneal Haze
There may be corneal haze after the surgery in some patients. Although with the latest techniques the chances of haze are much less nowadays.
What is the cost of PRK, LASEK and Surface Ablation surgery in Pune, India?
The cost of surface ablation procedures like PRK, LASEK, Trans-PRK in Pune may vary from 35k to 70k depending on the type of Surgery selected.
Why choose us?
-FDA approved technology
-Provide cost-effective vision correction procedures
-Complete range of refractive solutions
Best eye hospital for PRK surgery in Pune.
Indovision Cataract &Laser Eye Hospital offers all the latest world class surgical procedures for spectacle removal in Pune. Most advanced laser procedures are performed by our laser vision correction experts at affordable cost.
At Indovision Cataract and Laser Eye hospital your vision and the status of your eyes will be evaluated. After complete examination you will be recommended the treatment best suited for your eyes. Every eye is unique in terms of size, dimensions and health. Depending on these factors a personalised treatment plan is created for each patient. We believe in delivery best results to our patients. We provide a combination of best results and latest technologies. Our goal is to bring light to our patients with quality eye care.
We are always adopting innovative technologies to deliver best eyecare. At Indovision, our highly trained ophthalmologists strive to provide sharpest vision using state-of-the-art equipment.
Dr Sarika Sethia is a Gold medallist in ophthalmology. She is also Diplomat of National Board. She has presented oral paper, posters & lectures at various national & international conferences.She has completed many fellowships & training courses in advanced cataract & laser vision correction surgeries. She has worked at post graduate institute as Assistant Professor. She is on panel of prestigious hospitals in Pune like Jehangir hospital, Sanjeevan hospital & Global hospital. Currently she is director at Indovision Cataract & Laser Eye Centre.