PRK Side Effects
Chicago, Illinois
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of Laser Vision Correction that is used to improve mild to high amounts of myopia and astigmatism and up to moderate amounts of hyperopia. With LASIK eye surgery a corneal flap is made so the laser can treat the inside of the cornea. During PRK, the skin surface (epithelium) of the cornea is removed and the laser energy is applied directly to the top surface of your cornea. It generally takes three to four days for the surface skin to heal.
The Benefits of PRK
PRK uses the same laser as LASIK eye surgery and produces the same excellent results. One year after surgery more than 99% of patients have 20/20 vision or better. PRK can help you find the Visual Freedom that you have only been able to dream of for so long.
Some patients who are not candidates for LASIK may be good candidates for PRK. Dr. Golden can help you determine which type of eye surgery is right for you after a thorough screening evaluation. Those with thin corneas, corneal surface irregularity or those likely to receive ocular trauma may be better PRK than LASIK candidates.
Managing PRK Pain Levels
Almost all PRK patients will tell you that the procedure is painless. In the past, healing from PRK was occasionally reported as painful. ChicaDr. Golden now uses special comfort drops, pain blockers, relaxing medicine and narcotics so that your healing postoperatively is much easier than before. In fact, most of our patients report that there was minimal discomfort during healing from their PRK procedure.
Potential PRK Side Effects
If you have thin corneas or other types of corneal problems, PRK surgery is an excellent option for Laser Vision Correction. However, like any surgical procedure, PRK comes with some potential complications, including:
- Dry eyes
- Halos or glare around lights
- Corneal haze
- Overcorrection or undercorrection
- Infection
Dr. Golden undergoes careful preparation before PRK and uses meticulous techniques during the procedure to avoid these side effects as much as possible. If you do encounter any of these issues after surgery, Dr. Golden will address them quickly and efficiently.
If you have further questions about the safety of PRK, please contact Doctors For Visual Freedom today to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Golden. We serve patients throughout the Chicagoland area of Illinois.
Two Locations:
Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center
875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1550
Chicago, IL 60611 | Doctors for Visual Freedom Laser Center
2010 S Arlington Heights Rd, Suite 121
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 |
