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What Is PRK?


 

Although LASIK is a quick, safe, and effective way to correct your vision, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure. In some circumstances a similar procedure called photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) may be a safer alternative. Your LASIK surgeon, will discuss this option with you during your free consultation at the Eye Treatment Center in Long Beach. 

LASIK surgery involves the use of a laser to create a flap on the cornea. A precise laser called an excimer laser is used to re-shape the underlying cornea. Finally, the flap is then repositioned. 

Unlike LASIK, PRK does not involve the creation of a flap. Instead, the thin surface layer of the cornea is gently removed, and then the same excimer laser is used to re-shape the underlying cornea. At the end of the procedure a contact lens is placed onto the surface of the cornea to promote healing. This contact lens is subsequently removed in 4-5 days. Patients who undergo PRK will have a longer visual recovery that may require 4-6 weeks of healing time. 

PRK may be a safer option for you if you have a thin cornea, as this may prevent safe creation of a LASIK flap. In addition, if you have a very large amount of correction needed (very near-sighted or very far-sighted) then a thin cornea may not provide enough corneal tissue to re-shape. 

During your free consultation at the Eye Treatment Center we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your eyes. After we perform all of the necessary testing, your doctor will thoroughly explain all of your options to you. The safety of your eyes is our top priority, and we will only offer options that will safely improve your vision. 

We provide PRK for patients in the Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County areas. 

 

 

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Eye Treatment Center
3900 Long Beach Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90807
Phone: 562-685-8605
Fax: 562-988-8660

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