PRK

Austin PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

PRK: PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) was the first corneal procedure upon which FDA approval was given for the first generation of FDA approved excimer lasers. PRK involves complete removal of the corneal epithelium (surface layer of the cornea) followed by application of the excimer laser to the exposed corneal surface. The epithelium regenerates over a period of 3-5 days. The visual outcomes between LASIK and PRK are virtually equivalent. LASIK is preferred however due to the quicker recovery.

The Advantage of PRK compared with iLASIK is that there is no flap and therefore no flap complications.

The Disadvantages of PRK compared with iLASIK:

Slow recovery of vision. PRK patients may not have legal driving vision for one week after the procedure,
retreatments also have a slower recovery process than iLASIK retreatments,
rare chance of corneal scarring,
mild/moderate irritation lasting 1-2 days.

Differences between PRK and LASIK

	PRK	LASIK
Range of correction	PRK Low to Moderately high	LASIK Low to Moderately high
Wound Depth	PRK Superficial (remove epithelium)	LASIK 20% depth (flap preserves epithelium)
Intraoperative Pain	PRK None	LASIK None
Postoperative Pain	PRK Moderate 24-48 hrs.	LASIK 3 to 6 hrs.
Postoperative Medications	PRK 3 weeks to several months	LASIK 1 to 2 weeks
Functional Vision Recovery	PRK 3 to 7 days	LASIK 24 hours
Visual Results Fully Recognized	PRK 3 weeks to several months	LASIK 1 to 6 weeks
Return to Work	PRK 2 to 3 days	LASIK 1 to 2 days
Risk of Complications	PRK Low	LASIK Low
Risk of Scarring	PRK 1 to 2%	LASIK <1%
Dry Eye Sensitive	PRK 1 to 4 weeks	LASIK Could last up to 12 months or more
Candidates with Thin Corneas or Wide Pupils	PRK Often good candidates	LASIK Candidacy depends on amount of correction needed

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The Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute

The Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute, recently created at the Dell Medical School, is poised to become a leading-edge center for training future ophthalmologists and providing patients with the best medical and surgical eye care possible.

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11901 Jollyville Road
Austin, TX 78759

Phone: (512) 250-2020
Fax: (512) 250-2612

Office Hours
Monday – Thursday 8am – 6pm
Friday 8am – Noon
Saturday/Sunday Closed

2700 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX 78746

Phone: (512) 250-2020
Fax: (512) 250-2612

Office Hours
Monday – Thursday 8am – 6pm
Friday 8am – Noon
Saturday/Sunday Closed