What to Expect Before, During, and After PRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is the original method of Laser Vision correction. Along with LASEK, it is one of the so-called ‘surface’ Laser Eye Surgery procedures. It has been used to correct patients’ refractive errors for over thirty years.
First introduced in the UK in the late 1980s/early 1990s, PRK and LASEK are the grandparents of Laser Eye Surgery – but that isn’t to say they aren’t effective alternatives to the newer LASIK and ReLEx SMILE procedures!
While performed in a much smaller portion of patients today, PRK remains an effective solution for vision correction. So, if you’re awaiting this laser eye surgery procedure, let’s take a look at what you can expect before, during, and after PRK.
How Does PRK Work?
All Laser Eye Surgery procedures correct refractive errors by changing the shape of the cornea. They can be used to correct short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and even presbyopia – and PRK is no exception.
Changing the shape of the cornea adjusts the way light is reflected into the eye. Once corrected, light is focused onto the retina (the photosensitive layer at the back of the eye) rather than in front of or beyond it.
Laser Eye Surgeons must access the cornea through the epithelium (surface layer). This can be done in a number of ways, such as creating a corneal flap (as done in LASIK) or a keyhole incision (as done in SMILE). But PRK requires a more invasive approach.
In PRK, a laser is used to remove a whole section of the epithelium, which grants access to the corneal bed beneath. Once the surgeon has removed the predetermined area of corneal tissue, a soft, protective contact lens is placed over the treatment area to protect the eye as it begins to heal. During the recovery period, the cells of the epithelium will repopulate.
Before PRK
Let’s take a look at what you can expect in the days, hours, and minutes before your PRK treatment.
The Days Before
Before you head to the clinic for your Laser Eye Surgery treatment, several steps need to be completed. First of all, is your initial consultation. During this appointment, we perform a number of tests and examinations to determine your suitability for treatment.
When booking your consultation, you will be advised about any steps you need to take in preparation. For example, patients who wear contact lenses will need to remove them for at least a week before their consultation. This allows the cornea to return to its natural shape, ensuring we take the most accurate measurements.
In the days before PRK, our clinic coordinators are always on hand to answer any questions you might have relating to your treatment and recovery. They can also help you to make practical arrangements, such as your transport to and from the clinic, and overnight stays you may require.
The Hours Before
On the day of your treatment, you will likely experience a variety of emotions: anxiety, excitement, perhaps even fear. This is a completely natural reaction. But being prepared and knowing what to expect can help to settle your nerves.
In the 24 hours before your PRK treatment, we ask that you refrain from drinking alcohol. Having alcohol in your system during the treatment can disrupt the healing process. We will also ask that you avoid wearing makeup on the day of your treatment (particularly eye make-up).
Finally, you should avoid wearing perfume/cologne, and wool clothing, as the alcohol in the perfume and lint from clothing can interfere with machinery. Once again, our clinic staff will be on hand to answer any last-minute questions!
The Minutes Before
One of our patient coordinators will walk you through your aftercare regime. You will be provided with an aftercare pack that includes everything you will need for your recovery, including painkillers, lubricating eye drops, and sleep masks. If this is a little overwhelming, don’t worry! You will also be given information leaflets explaining everything – and we will always be available to answer any questions!
Finally, just before you head into the treatment room, a nurse will apply anaesthetic eye drops to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the PRK procedure.
During Your PRK Procedure
The time is finally here! Time to say goodbye to your old inhibited vision! Once in the treatment room, and seated comfortably in the treatment chair, the procedure will begin. While PRK will take a little longer than ReLEx SMILE or even LASIK, most patients are surprised just how fast the process is.
Your surgeon will walk you through every step of the procedure, and strive to put you at ease. During the treatment, you will feel some pressure and some strange sensations in the eye; however, the anaesthetic drops will ensure this isn’t painful. Once the corneal correction is complete, the surgeon will place a protective contact lens over the eye, and your recovery will begin!
After PRK
Our eyes have incredible healing power. This means that you will be on your way to recovery as soon as your treatment has concluded. However, due to the more invasive nature of PRK compared to LASIK or ReLEx SMILE, full recovery will take significantly longer.
The Minutes After
Once your treatment is complete, you will be guided to one of our recovery rooms. This gives you a chance to relax and gather your thoughts after treatment. We advise patients to keep their eyes closed as much as possible during this time as they might be more sensitive to light and dust.
Before you know it, it will be time to leave the clinic and begin the recovery period from the comfort of your own home or hotel room. You will also be given your surgeon’s phone number in case you have any emergency queries in the coming hours and days.
The Hours After
In the hours following your PRK treatment, the effects of the anaesthetic drops will begin to wear off. At this time, it is normal to experience some light discomfort in the eyes. This usually feels itchy or like there is something caught in your eye. However, it is important not to rub your eyes. Taking the painkillers and applying the lubricating drops provided in your aftercare pack should help alleviate any discomfort.
You will also be advised about any activities you should avoid, including taking showers, watching television or reading, and any strenuous physical activity.
The next day, you will head back to the clinic for your 1-day post-operative appointment. This allows your surgeon to check on your progress and ensure your recovery is going as planned. While patients who have LASIK or SMILE may at this point be signed off to return to work or driving, patients who have PRK will require a little more recovery time.
The Days and Weeks After
As mentioned above, recovery from PRK and LASEK takes significantly longer than that of LASIK and ReLEx SMILE. Generally, we find that PRK patients can get back to driving around two to three weeks after their treatment. It can also take a little longer for you to feel up to returning to work, but most patients are able to do so in around a week.
In the days and weeks following your PRK treatment, it is important to continue to follow your aftercare regime. While you will likely notice an improvement in your vision, it is important to remember that you won’t see the true effects of your surgery until your eyes have completely healed. For PRK, this can take between six weeks and three months.
Your surgeon will check on your progress at your 1-month and 3-month follow-up appointments. In a small number of cases, patients can benefit from an enhancement procedure. If this is the case, your surgeon will discuss your options with you – and the treatment will be provided free of charge!
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about PRK surgery! If you have any questions relating to your treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators. Alternatively, if you’d like to check your suitability, Book a consultation today!