PRK Alternatives
Alternatives to PRK Eye Surgery
PRK is an overwhelmingly successful eye surgery procedure. Most of the people who have had PRK report they no longer need to wear glasses or contacts. In a large clinical trial, two-thirds of the patients who had PRK can see 20/20 or better without corrective lenses. 95% can see at least 20/40, well enough to pass a driver's test. However, depending on your particular circumstances and prescription, other options and alternatives to PRK may better suit your vision correction needs.
PRK Alternative: -CustomLASIK- ("Wave" LASIK)
The FDA has recently approved a new technology that may change how your eye doctor treats your vision problems. It's called CustomLASIK. CustomLASIK is a laser vision correction procedure that uses the unique visual characteristics of your eye to customize your treatment.
CustomLASIK provides an additional level of precise data about your vision requirements using wavefront technology. A device called a wavefront analyzer measures the way light travels through your eye and compares it to the way light travels through an eye with perfect vision. This device then creates a 3-D wavefront map that is unique in the same way that your DNA is unique to you. Your wavefront map provides a detailed diagram of your vision that allows your doctor to provide you with truly personalized vision correction.
PRK Alternative: -Conductive KeratoplastySM-
Conductive KeratoplastySM (CK) uses the controlled release of radiofrequency (RF) energy, instead of a laser, to reshape the cornea. CK is performed using a small probe, thinner than a strand of human hair, that releases radiofrequency (RF) energy. The probe is applied in a circular pattern on the outer cornea to shrink small areas of corneal tissue. This circular shrinkage pattern creates a constrictive band (like the tightening of a belt), increasing the overall curvature of the cornea. The procedure, which takes less than three minutes, is done in-office with only topical anesthesia (eye drops). CK is the first alternative to laser for hyperopia.
PRK Alternative: -LASEK-
LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) is a laser refractive procedure to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASEK is sometimes referred to as "Epi-LASEK." It involves removing the top layer of the cornea as a flap-like sheet before re-sculpting the cornea with the excimer laser. The epithelial sheet is then replaced on the surface of the eye and a soft contact lens is inserted for a few days following the surgery.
What is the difference between LASIK and LASEK?
In the LASIK procedure, an instrument called a microkeratome is used to create a protective flap of tissue. LASEK also involves the creation of a protective epithelial flap, but there is no microkeratome used. Instead, the tissue is loosened with a medical solution and then is carefully moved to the side for the laser portion of the procedure. After the laser procedure, the tissue is then repositioned and healing begins.
Why would I have LASEK over LASIK?
LASEK is a great option for patients previously turned down for LASIK because of thin or unusually shaped corneas. It is also a nice option for those patients who are uncomfortable with the microkeratome.
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