PRK / TransPRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy) are types of laser eye surgery used to correct vision problems such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. Both procedures reshape the cornea to improve how light is focused on the retina, thereby enhancing vision.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy):
- Procedure Overview:
- Preparation: The eye is numbed using anesthetic drops.
- Epithelium Removal: The thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed manually using a surgical instrument.
- Laser Reshaping: An excimer laser is used to precisely reshape the underlying corneal tissue to correct refractive errors.
- Healing: A soft contact lens is placed on the eye to protect it while the epithelium regenerates, typically over several days.
- Advantages:
- No Flap Creation: Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap, which eliminates the risk of flap-related complications.
- Suitable for Thin Corneas: PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas or those with corneal surface irregularities.
TransPRK (Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy):
- Procedure Overview:
- Preparation: The eye is numbed with anesthetic drops.
- Epithelium Removal and Reshaping: The excimer laser is used to remove the epithelium and reshape the corneal tissue in a single, continuous step, without the need for manual removal of the epithelium.
- Healing: Similar to PRK, a soft contact lens is placed on the eye to protect it while the epithelium heals.
- Advantages:
- Less Manual Intervention: The entire procedure is performed using the laser, reducing the risk of human error and potentially improving precision.
- Shorter Procedure Time: The combined steps streamline the procedure, potentially reducing the overall time required.
- Reduced Discomfort: Some studies suggest that TransPRK may result in less postoperative discomfort compared to traditional PRK.
