At Rockland Eye Physicians & Surgeons, we can perform PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. This surgical procedure can provide an effective alternative for patients who do not want LASIK. During treatment, we can remove the outermost corneal layer and reshape the cornea to improve vision. Dr. Chen at our West Nyack and Garnerville, NY, locations is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology with decades of experience performing safe and successful PRK procedures. After PRK, many patients enjoy clear vision without glasses or contacts.

Is PRK Right for You?

PRK is the forerunner of LASIK and is designed to improve refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These conditions are the result of an irregularly shaped cornea, which can cause light to enter the eye incorrectly. During PRK, your surgeon can reshape your cornea to ensure light enters the eye at a proper angle.

The vast majority of PRK patients enjoy at least 20/40 vision which is the legal minimum to drive without glasses. About 95 percent of patients enjoy 20/20 vision or better without corrective lenses.

PRK is an ideal option for patients who do not qualify for LASIK. As LASIK requires your doctor to create a small flap on the cornea, patients with a thin shaped cornea can benefit from PRK. This procedure may also be more appropriate if you have had previous laser vision correction or if you have certain risk factors that could cause a corneal flap to become dislodged. Your doctor can review your medical history and evaluate your eyes to ensure you are a candidate for treatment, taking into account the thickness and curvature of your cornea in addition to the size of your pupils.

The PRK Surgical Process

Before your procedure, we will administer an anesthetic eye drop to ensure your comfort. Once you are relaxed, your surgeon can carefully remove the top layers of corneal tissue, or epithelium. We can then use an excimer laser to carefully reshape your cornea. If you suffer from nearsightedness, we can flatten the cornea. If you are farsighted, we can enhance the curvature of your cornea. If you struggle with astigmatism, we can give your cornea a more regular, rounded shape. The entire process takes only a few minutes, and you should feel little or nothing during treatment.