HOW DOES PRK WORK?

PRK and LASEK
PRK and LASEK are among the surface techniques. Thus, the corneal epithelium is pushed aside or removed first, mechanically (PRK) or with a special scraper (LASEK). In contrast to the LASIK / FEMTO-LASIK, in which a complete corneal flap is generated, a thin layer of corneal epithelium is remained in PRK / LASEK.

Excimer laser
With the excimer laser, the cornea is ablated to a certain thickness with the excimer laser – on the basis of the measured values at the preliminary eye examination. The refractive power of the cornea is thereby changed, so that incoming light rays now bundle correctly on the retina – a sharp visual image is created.

Finall
Finally the corneal epithelium is pushed back and the cornea is covered with a protective contact lens. The first 3 to 5 days the contact lens protects the epithelium that has yet to heal, and is then removed. It may take two to three months until the stability of vision is attained.

PRK–The Alternative Procedure

PRK (Photo Refractive Keratektomy) and LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) are fallback procedures and should only be preferred to LASIK/FEMTO-LASIK in special cases.

• PRK and LASEK treatments leave a larger wound area, which can cause significant discomfort and pain.
• Additionally, a mild to severe scarring can occur, which must be treated preventively with cortisone eye drops over a long period.
• In PRK, the healing process is supported by a contact lens.
• Overall, the patient must be prepared for a long time of adjusting to the improved vision.

On the Contrary, LASIK/Femto LASIK Guarantees:

• An almost painless healing process. Because the wound in the depth of the cornea is protected by the "Flap", it creates no scars
• And the improved vision adapts very quickly.

As mentioned before, PRK or LASEK are only fall-back procedures. For this reason, EuroEyes generally only carries out this treatment with patients that have very thin corneas or particular professional reasons, and therefore can't go through with LASIK/FEMTO LASIK. Furthermore, the treatment options for LASEK or PRK are limited. As a rule, only myopia up to -6 D and astigmatism up to max. 3 D can be corrected. The correction of presbyopia is not possible.

In Summary, the Advantages of LASIK / Femto-LASIK Compared to PRK / LASEK:

• Faster visual rehabilitation
• Painfree
• Refractive stability
• No regression of the visual disorder

1. Personal, Non-binding Consultation:

• All relevant eye parameters are measured.
• We determine what the best method of treatment is for your eyes
• Examine your eyes to make sure you are a suitable candidate for the treatment

2. A Thorough Medical Preliminary Examination

• The examination usually lasts about two hours
• Intensive ophthalmic preliminary examination and measurement of your eyes
• Our specialists in ophthalmology will explain every detail about the treatment
• Before this preliminary examination you should not have worn soft contact lenses for one week and hard contact lenses for two weeks
• Please note that after the examination you will not be safe driving a vehicle–neither car, nor motorcycle or bicycle. We therefore recommend that you take a cab or public transportation
• Following the examination you will receive an after-care set for the days after your treatment. The medication and content will be explained in detail by our staff

3. On the day of your PRK/LASEK treatment

• We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing on the day of treatment.
• You can eat and drink regularly on the day of treatment, please do not smoke.
• For reasons of hygiene, it is important that you wash your face thoroughly before the treatment, completely remove make-up and do without perfume.
• Drop anesthesia is used
• Outpatient procedure, no eye bandage, sunglasses recommended
• Total duration of surgery (both eyes): approx. 25 min.
• You are not allowed to drive a vehicle after the treatment

4. After PRK/LASEK operation

• Please don't rub your eyes.
• The doctor will explain the administration of the artificial tear use, the combination of eye drops that prevents swelling and inflammation, and pain-killing drops to you in advance.
• Professional activity after 1-2 weeks
• Sports activities, as well as swimming and sauna after approx. 2 weeks.
• Controls: two days, four days, one week, two weeks, one month, two months and three months after surgery
• Driving is only permitted again with the doctor's permission.