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PRK

Do you struggle with blurry vision but are not a good candidate for LASIK surgery? Do you hate wearing contacts or glasses? Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is another type of refractive surgery that treats common vision problems and improves your eyesight. Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Wilmington, DE, can eliminate your need for glasses or contact lenses through PRK Surgery.

What is Photorefractive Keratectomy Surgery? An Alternative to LASIK

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PRK is another form of laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors: nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.

PRK v. LASIK  What's the Difference?

Both laser eye surgeries treat nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism to allow the patient to see clearly without the use of their contact lenses and glasses

Image of PRK procedure on the left, with LASIK procedure on the right

PRK 

During this refractive surgery, the outermost layer of your cornea (the epithelium) is removed using an excimer laser. The remaining corneal tissue underneath is then reshaped. You will be given a protective contact lens to aid epithelial healing. Because the entire outer layer is removed, the recovery time for PRK is longer than LASIK. However, it produces the same results and is an effective alternative for those who are not good candidates for LASIK.

LASIK

During this refractive surgery, your doctor will create a flap in the outermost layer of your cornea. The flap is then peeled back so the laser can reshape your cornea. Immediately following the LASIK procedure, the flap is closed without the need for sutures. Over the following days and weeks, your corneal flap will close and heal on its own. This healing and recovery time is often quicker than PRK as an entire layer of the cornea is not removed. 

Benefits of PRK

Improved Vision

Most patients who undergo PRK surgery achieve at least 20/40 vision without the need for contacts or glasses.

Results That Last

PRK results are permanent. However, the natural aging process of our eyes could eventually require the use of glasses for reading or at night.

An Effective Alternative

PRK is a great way for people who cannot undergo LASIK eye surgery to still achieve the same benefits of significantly improved vision.

Say Goodbye to Contacts Call Our Wilmington Office Today!

Eye Physicians and Surgeons is home to a team of experienced ophthalmic and optometric professionals who strive to provide excellence in eye care to the Wilmington area.

We take the time to get to know each patient's needs and expectations so we can put together a treatment plan that is right for them. If you are tired of wearing contacts and glasses and are ready to see clearly, schedule a consultation today. Our team will know whether PRK is the best option for you.

Send us a message or call our Wilmington, DE, office to schedule your PRK consultation.

(302) 652-3353

Three of our ophthalmic and optometric professionals
Our staff is caring, warm, and friendly. We recognize each patient as an individual, treating them the way we would want to be treated.

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Dr. Prachi is wonderful. She takes time to explain the things and procedures and helps me with any questions I may have. She is thorough and patience and is always great to visit.

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This is a wonderful practice.  I have been a patient of this practice for many years and have always received excellent quality service.  The doctors and staff are always courteous, professional and genuine in their passion for helping patients, and spend the time necessary to answer all questions and concerns...

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What to Expect During PRK Treatment

The first step is to schedule a consultation at our Wilmington, DE, office to see if LASIK or PRK is the best treatment option for you. 
The entire procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes.
The entire procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes.

Consultation

You will meet with one of our doctors at our Wilmington office to discuss your needs, expectations, and medical history. From there, the doctor may recommend PRK as the best form of laser eye surgery to meet your needs.

 Anesthesia

Before the procedure, your doctor will administer topical anesthetic eye drops to numb the area. You should feel no pain during the surgery, only mild pressure. After your eyes have been numbed, a device to keep them open will be inserted.

Epithelium Removal

Once you are numbed and relaxed, our doctor can carefully remove the outermost layer of corneal tissue.

Reshaping the Cornea

Using an excimer laser, your doctor can reshape the cornea to correct the refractive error. If you are nearsighted, your cornea will need to be flattened; farsighted, your cornea's curve will need to be enhanced. If you have astigmatism, your cornea will need to be made into a rounder, more regular shape.

Healing Lenses

After the surgery, your doctor will give you a pair of special contact lenses. This will protect your eyes during recovery and aid your corneal healing.

Are There Any Side Effects?

In the first few days after PRK surgery, it is normal to experience blurred vision, dry eyes, and mild discomfort. Patients experiencing any pain or discomfort after their laser surgery can take over-the-counter pain medication and prescription eye drops to minimize their symptoms. These common side effects should subside within a few days to a few weeks.

You should contact your doctor if you are experiencing the following:

  • Over or undercorrection
  • Cloudiness of the cornea
  • Signs of infection
  • Poorer vision

Recovery

Follow your doctor's instructions to ensure a safe and quick recovery. 

Avoid Touching Your Eyes

Be conscious not to touch or rub your eyes in the days following your procedure. This could damage your cornea and lead to more serious side effects.

Use Medication as Prescribed

Use your prescription eye drops on schedule per your doctor's orders to prevent infection. Use lubricating eye drops to prevent dry eye, which can damage the cornea.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

While daily activities can be resumed in around 24 hours, swimming and any strenuous physical activity should be avoided for a few weeks after surgery until the eyes are fully healed.

Avoid Sun Exposure

It is important to give your eyes time to heal and rest. Wear sunglasses if you need to go outside so your eyes are not strained. Putting any strain on your eyes should be avoided for a few weeks following your procedure.

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Great practice and good service!

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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.

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"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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