PRK is one of several modern procedures used to improve vision.
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a medical procedure used to improve eyesight. The procedure involves a surgical brush used to remove cells from the epithelial layer of the eye, followed by a medical laser that reshapes the lens tissue. PRK can correct both nearsightedness and farsightedness. However, PRK is fairly invasive and has a recovery process that can be slow and painful. Depending on the factors involved, alternative procedures can often achieve similar results with fewer complications.
Implantable Contact Lens
Implantable contact lenses, also known as "intraocular lenses," are similar to traditional plastic contact lenses but are placed inside the eye. If no complications occur after the implant surgery, implantable contact lenses are permanent and do no have to be replaced. Typically, a patient's vision needs to be stabilized before these lenses can be used, and individuals must usually be older than age 21 to be eligible for the procedure.
Implantable contact lenses can be inserted into an eye in approximately half an hour. The procedure begins with a small incision made into the cornea. A plastic lens is inserted through this incision, and is positioned on top of the natural clear lens of the eye. The incision heals naturally in around 30 days, sealing the plastic lens and permanently improving the vision of the patient.
Refractive Lens Exchange
Like implantable contact lenses, refractive lens exchange is a procedure that places artificial plastic lenses inside the eyes. While implantable contact lenses are placed next to the natural lenses of the eye, the refractive lens exchange procedure completely removes these natural lenses and replaces them with artificial copies.
By completely replacing the eyes' lenses, refractive lens exchange can remove clouding and blurring problems caused by conditions such as cataracts. The procedure can be used on both nearsighted and farsighted patients. Because of the invasiveness needed to remove the lens of the eye, however, refractive lens exchange has a higher risk of complications than procedures that leave the eye intact.
LASIK Surgery
LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a procedure that uses a surgical laser to reshape the cornea, which covers the front portion of the eye. Using this laser, a small flap of the eye is opened. The laser then removes a portion of the eye, which changes the way light is perceived. The flap is then put back in place and allowed to heal.
LASIK surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis and can be be completed in under an hour. The procedure is effective for most patients with common vision problems such as minor nearsightedness. For patients with more complex eyesight issues, such as cataracts, alternative procedures may be recommended.
LTK Surgery
LTK (laser thermokeratoplasty surgery) is a laser vision improvement procedure used to correct hyperopia. Unlike LASIK, this type of laser eye surgery does not directly reshape the cornea, but instead shrinks it using heat. The advantage of this approach is that a flap does not need to be cut. This reduces the chances of infection and lessens the recovery time.
LTK laser surgery is typically not as permanent as other corrective procedures, and it is not uncommon for patients to require further surgery after several years. LTK surgery is most effective on farsighted patients who are over 40 years old.
