PRK Benefits: Greater Independence from Glasses, a Simpler Day-to-day Life, and More

PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, offers many benefits for patients who want to correct refractive issues such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness, but are not candidates for LASIK (laser assisted in situ keratomileusis). PRK patients can experience a reduced or eliminated need for glasses and contacts, making day-to-day life considerably simpler. The ophthalmologists at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A., can review PRK benefits with you at our Wilmington, DE, practice. To find out if PRK surgery is appropriate for you, contact our office today.  

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PRK can simplify and enhance nearly every area of your life. 

The PRK Procedure

To understand the benefits of PRK, patients must first understand what is involved in the procedure. First, a light sedative and numbing eye drop will be administered to keep you calm and comfortable during the procedure. The outermost layer of your cornea, the epithelium, will be removed in order to access the stromal tissue beneath it. We use wavefront technology to create a precise map of your cornea and detect imperfections. This information will guide a precise excimer laser in refining the shape of your cornea, resulting in sharper vision.

Once the procedure is complete, we will place a special contact lens over your eye to shield it. This special lens will help your tissue heal and regenerate. PRK surgery typically lasts about 30 minutes, after which you will return home to rest and recover. The healing time for PRK is longer than that of LASIK surgery.

Advantages of PRK

Many patients who rely on glasses and contacts turn to PRK surgery because it:

  • Allows patients who are not candidates for LASIK, or do not wish to undergo LASIK, to achieve clearer vision
  • Involves no risk of flap complications, since the epithelium is removed entirely
  • Has a high success rate

During your consultation, we will review the advantages, disadvantages, and other considerations relating to PRK, so that you can make an informed decision about how to correct your vision.

Who is a PRK Candidate?

The benefits of LASIK can be life-changing, but it is not right for everyone. Fortunately, PRK can provide an excellent alternative for those who do not qualify for LASIK surgery. You may be a good candidate for PRK if you:

  • Have larger pupils
  • Have relatively thin corneas that increase the risks of creating a corneal flap
  • Want to correct astigmatism, nearsightedness, or farsightedness, and reduce your dependence on glasses or contacts
  • Have eyes that are healthy, despite refractive errors
  • Are in good general health, free from any immune-compromising, chronic, or life-threatening conditions
  • Have maintained a stable vision prescription for at least one year 
  • Are 18 years or older
  • Lead an especially active lifestyle or work in a field such as law enforcement that carries a greater risk of eye injury
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding

We will examine your eyes, review your medical history, and discuss your treatment goals to determine if PRK is for you. 

Experience the Benefits of PRK

If you are considering laser eye surgery to correct your vision, PRK offers many benefits. To find out if PRK surgery is for you, contact us today. During a consultation, we will explain the procedure, review your candidacy, and answer your questions regarding cost.

Staff at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A.

Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A.

Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A., has been a trusted fixture in the community for more than three decades. Our caring, expert staff is affiliated with the:

  • American Medical Association
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Delaware Academy of Ophthalmology

Call us at (302) 652-3353, use our online form to request a consultation, or email us.

Message Our Staff

"Wonderful staff and lots of friendly faces. Everyone eager to answer questions and make your visit a pleasant experience. Cataract surgery with Dr. Minkovitz was terrific - his surgical staff was efficient and helpful. Thanks Eye Physicians and Surgeons!"

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