Refractive errors are caused by light being unable to focus clearly onto the retina, giving you blurry uncorrected vision. Often, the error is due to a problem with the corneal shape that causes nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.

Dr. Alabata performs various laser vision correction surgeries, including PRK, to help patients reduce their reliance on eyeglasses or contact lenses and enjoy seeing life clearly. 

What is PRK Surgery?

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) surgery corrects common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. An advanced excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct these refractive errors for clearer vision with little to no need for corrective lenses afterwards. 

How Long Does PRK Surgery Take?

Before surgery, you will have a consultation for a detailed eye examination including a specialized corneal topography. During the evaluation, Dr. Alabata checks your eye’s health to determine if PRK is the best laser vision correction surgery for you.

On the day of surgery, we provide eye-numbing medication to prevent any eye discomfort during your procedure. Once the surface layer of the cornea is gently removed, the excimer laser reshapes the cornea in order to correct your refractive error for clearer uncorrected vision.

The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Dr. Alabata will place a clear contact lens over your eyes that serves as a bandage for approximately one week until the epithelium layer heals. While this occurs, your vision will start to come into focus.

How Long Do PRK Surgery Results Last?

Many patients enjoy 20/40 ucorrected vision or better for many years. Although laser vision correction is permanent, your natural lens within your eye will undergo changes as it ages. Eventually, you will develop presbyopia, or the inability to focus at near. Once this happens, you will most likely require reading glasses in order to do near work.

Am I a Good Candidate for PRK Surgery?

Candidates for PRK surgery have nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatisms and want to lessen their reliance on prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. PRK may be an alternative to LASIK surgery for those with thin corneas or significant dry eyes. 

PRK is also a great choice for those with an active lifestyle at risk for eye injuries. Laser vision corrective surgeries such as LASIK leave a corneal flap, which may accidentally dislodge during an eye injury.

During your consultation, Dr. Alabata conducts a thorough eye examination to determine if PRK is the best option for you. At a minimum, patients should meet these requirements:

• Be 18 years old or older
• Have a stable eyeglass or contact lens prescription for at least a year
• Have healthy corneas and overall eye health

If you have a condition that may affect your corneal healing, such as severe dry eye syndrome, an autoimmune disorder, corneal scarring, or uncontrolled diabetes; or a condition that may cause your vision to fluctuate, such as pregnancy or breastfeeding; or a condition that may decrease the effects of laser vision correction such as cataracts or glaucoma; you may not be a good candidate for laser vision correction such as PRK surgery.

Take the Next Step and Enjoy Clearer Vision

To schedule your in-person PRK Surgery consultation, call Alabata Eye Center at (850) 331-3937. A referral is not necessary. Thank you for trusting our professional services.