Who should consider PRK?

If you are not suitable for LASIK, LASEK or Epi-LASEK then PRK is an option. It is recommended for those patients with large pupils or thin corneas.

What is the difference between PRK and the newer lasik?

The main difference is that the surgeon removes thin layers of cells from the outer surface of the cornea. With LASIK, he or she will create a small flap (with a ‘hinge’) before folding this back to access the cornea. The cornea is reshaped with a laser.

As regards your suitability, this will be decided upon during your consultation. Your age, lifestyle and current state of health will be taken into account. The shape of your eyes, corneal thickness and eye prescription will also be considered.

Every patient is different and what suits one person doesn’t necessarily suit another. Ideally, your prescription should show an upper limit of -11.0 dioptres if you are short-sighted and +6.0 dioptres if you are long-sighted.

There are a range of medical conditions which would exclude the patient from PRK. These include:

• Glaucoma
• Retinal disease
• Severe dry eye
• Any corneal degenerative disease
• Severe diabetes
• Under 18
• Pregnancy and/or breastfeeding (women are advised to wait until at least 3 months after these).
• Hepatitis C
• Wearing a pacemaker
• Autoimmune diseases
• Arthritis
• Vascular disease

These may rule you out. They are not an automatic exclusion but could result in an increased risk of complications during or after surgery.

PRK Laser Eye Surgery Guide:

• Intro to PRK laser eye surgery
• Who should consider PRK?
• Is there an alternative to PRK ?
• What are the risks of PRK?
• What are the benefits of PRK?

• How much does PRK Laser eye surgery cost?
• What is the PRK procedure?
• How long do the effects of PRK last for?
• What does recovery from PRK involve?