PRK

The PRK procedure is often utilized for patients with larger pupils or thin corneas and LASEK is used mostly for people with corneas that are too thin or too flat for LASIK.

The basis for all laser eye surgery is to reshape the cornea so that it changes the focal point of the eye. The PRK procedure uses advanced laser technology to reshape the cornea but there is No Flap.

PRK is a procedure where the outer membrane of the cornea is gently polished away by an instrument or by the laser. Then the computer-guided laser flattens the top surface of the cornea, 0.2 microns at a time. This will enable light to focus properly on the retina.

The laser part of the surgery takes less than two minutes. Following the surgery, a special contact lens will be applied and is worn for three days. Dr. Robbins will remove it in the office.

It takes approximately three days for the eye's surface membrane to heal and a few weeks to a month for the vision to fully improve to its best level. During this recovery time, vision is approximately 20/40 or better. There is more post-op discomfort and a slower healing but results are equal to the LASIK vision correction procedure.