PRK Can Help Candidates Who Do Not Qualify for LASIK

Patients who want to achieve clearer vision without contacts or glasses might be wondering whether they are good candidates for photorefractive keratectomy, or PRK. If you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, you may be a good candidate for this refractive eye surgery. In addition, individuals who do not qualify for LASIK due to thin corneas are generally excellent PRK candidates.

The team of doctors at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A. in Wilmington, DE, can ensure that you meet the PRK candidacy requirements during your consultation. In order to undergo PRK, patients must also be in good health and free of corneal abnormalities such as keratoconus.

PRK surgery vs LASIK surgery — Because PRK does not require a corneal flap, it can be performed on patients with thin corneas.

PRK: An Alternative If You Don't Qualify for LASIK

LASIK and PRK are both refractive surgeries performed to improve vision. During LASIK, one of our doctors will create a corneal flap to access the underlying tissue. Once the surgery is complete, the flap is repositioned over the cornea. In contrast, PRK entails the complete removal of the outer corneal layer. Within a few days, the epithelium regenerates on its own. Because of the differences between the two procedures, there are a few factors to consider when determining which treatment option is most appropriate. You may be a better candidate for PRK if you:

Have thin corneas and do not qualify for LASIK eye surgery
Have mild, moderate, or severe myopia
Work in manufacturing, construction, or other jobs in which a corneal flap could be considered a contraindication
Participate in martial arts, contact sports, or other activities that could potentially damage the corneal flap

Both LASIK and PRK utilize advanced laser technology for incredibly accurate results. During a consultation at our practice, one of our doctors can help determine which treatment option will be most effective for you.

Corneal Conditions Could Affect Your Candidacy

PRK is not recommended for patients with keratoconus or other severe corneal conditions. However, patients suffering from mild corneal issues are typically good candidates for the procedure because the ablation process performed during PRK only involves the outermost layer of corneal tissue. Therefore, the actual structure of the cornea is minimally affected.

If you have thin corneas, our doctors will perform a thorough assessment to determine the cause of your condition. After a comprehensive evaluation, your surgeon will discuss your treatment options with you in detail.

In general, patients considering PRK must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, vision should be stable for at least one year before undergoing this procedure.

Other General Requirements for PRK Surgery

Patients considering PRK must be at least 18 years old. Your vision should also be stable for at least one year before undergoing this procedure. Additionally, candidates should:

Not currently be taking steroids or certain medications such as Cordarone®, Accutane®, or Imitrex®
Be free from immunodeficiency or autoimmune diseases
Not have diabetes, arthritis, or any other medical condition that can hinder healing
Have no family history or predisposition to keloids
Not have collagen vascular disease, which could cause corneal ulcers
Be free from glaucoma, which is caused by excessive pressure inside the eye
Not be pregnant or nursing

You should also have realistic expectations for your surgery. Our doctors will help you fully understand the treatment process, what to expect during your recovery, and the risks associated with the procedure.

Flexible Financing Options

At Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A., we offer a number of financing options so that you can afford PRK on your budget. We work with a third-party lender called Patient Finance Solutions that offers flexible payment plans.

Find out If You Qualify

The only way to determine if you are a good candidate for PRK is to visit our practice. If you are considering refractive surgery to correct your vision, schedule a consultation today to find out which option best suits you. You can request an appointment online or call our office at (302) 652-3353.