Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
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- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
PRK : is performing the refractive surgery without making the corneal flap. There are no flap complications with the PRK surgery, however visual rehabilitation takes longer and it is more painful comparing to LASIK. It is good for patients with a thin cornea.
An alcohol solution or special brush is used to dissolve the thin, outer layer of the eye (epithelium).
The epithelium is removed either manually or with an excimer laser. It can also be moved to the side with a manual instrument.
An excimer laser is used to sculpt the corneal, thereby correcting the refractive error.
Finally, a bandage contact lens is placed over the eye for protection until the epithelium grows back.