PRK Eye Surgery: A Keratorefractive Procedure Explained

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a form of laser eye surgery designed to repair moderate cases of astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness. It belongs to a larger group of procedures called keratorefractive surgeries.

Explanation

• The term keratorefractive surgery, also called refractive keratoplasty, refers to any procedure meant to reshape the cornea and improve vision, according to Drugs.com. As such, PRK is considered a keratorefractive surgery.

PRK Surgery

• During a PRK procedure, surgeons use a laser to remove the outer layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, notes the Encyclopedia of Surgery. PRK may actually leave the cornea stronger than its pre-surgical state, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

PRK Results

• Within a year of surgery, roughly 90 percent of formerly nearsighted PRK patients have 20/20 vision without the aid of contacts or glasses, according to the Cleveland Clinic. An additional 5 to 8 percent have vision within the range of 20/40.

Similar Procedures

• According to Drugs.com, additional forms of keratorefractive surgery include radial keratotomy, thermokeratoplasty, keratophakia and lamellar keratoplasty.

PRK vs. LASIK

• While PRK achieves its effects by reshaping the surface of the cornea, LASIK eye surgery is performed underneath a flap on the cornea, according to the Cleveland Clinic.