According to a 2019 research by health insurer Cigna, “most insurance companies do not cover the expense of refractive surgery on your eyes.”
What is PRK
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is an eye operation that employs a laser to repair a number of visual problems, including astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness. An excimer laser is used to reshape the cornea during the PRK procedure. To eliminate tissue, the excimer laser uses a cold, pulsating beam of short-wavelength light. Instead of generating a flap and going underneath the cornea, the laser eliminates cells from the surface of the cornea. This is how LASIK is widely conducted across the country. The majority of PRK patients recover with 20/20 to 20/15 vision. As a result, PRK is a successful and appealing procedure that is a safer option to LASIK. PRK is also associated with a lower risk of problems in the post-operative period. Because the cells of your eye naturally regenerate along the surface of your eye, this is the case.
Because both LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea, they are similar treatments. The advantages, cost, and recuperation time are where they differ. There are three different types of PRK surgeries. Traditional PRK, alcohol-assisted PRK, and transepithelial PRK are some of the options. The corneal epithelium is removed with an amoils brush in traditional PRK. The similar method is used in alcohol-assisted PRK. Alcohol-assisted PRK is often regarded as the softer method since it is less abrasive on the eye and provides a more comfortable recovery experience for the patient. To give a more efficient one-step approach, transepithelial PRK uses an excimer laser to remove the corneal epithelium while doing corneal reshaping.
History of PRK
The procedure known as radial keratotomy, or RK, was first used in modern refractive eye surgery in 1974. For patients who suffer from nearsightedness, RK entails making small incisions on the cornea. Over time, the procedure got more efficient and popular, resulting in technological breakthroughs and a safer, more effective procedure.
PRK has been conducted with a high success rate all over the world, allowing it to maintain its popularity since the 1990s. PRK was the first surgery to operate on the cornea with a laser rather than a knife, and it debuted in the United States in 1995. Nearsightedness was the primary reason patients got this treatment in the beginning. Patients can now choose PRK to correct astigmatism and farsightedness as well, thanks to technological advancements.
Candidates for the Procedure
Patients with a thin cornea are the most suitable candidates for PRK laser eye surgery. Due to the inability to generate a flap in the cornea, applicants with thin corneal tissue are frequently ruled out of LASIK surgery. Patients with abnormalities or scarring on their corneas are also excellent candidates for PRK. Patients suffering from nearsightedness or farsightedness will most likely benefit from PRK.
Patients must have a history of normal ocular health and prescription stability in order to be corrected to 20/40 or better. Patients must also be at least 18 years old, and surgery is not available to pregnant women. In a dark room, patients should have myopia of -1.00 to -12.00 diopters and pupils of six millimeters or fewer.
Patients may be ineligible for PRK if they have certain pre-existing conditions. Granular corneal dystrophy type II, ocular disease, collagen vascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or a history of steroid side effects are all examples of these disorders.
The majority of LASIK patients are also PRK candidates. Patients may only be eligible for PRK in some cases. On average, 15% of patients are not eligible for either.
Advantages of PRK
The use of a solution to remove the cells of the cornea rather than an incision to form the corneal flap is the fundamental advantage of PRK over LASIK. There is less risk with PRK, and it is generally seen as a safer option. The healing process is also safer because the cells in the eye can renew naturally over time. The outpatient technique is a rapid procedure that takes only a few minutes, making it a time-saving surgery that is popular due to its ease of use. PRK patients are also less prone to develop dry eye syndrome, and they do not require the two-month eye drop regimen required after LASIK surgery.
Disadvantages of PRK
Despite the fact that PRK is as effective and modern as LASIK, there are certain drawbacks to the operation. When compared to LASIK, PRK can take longer to recover from and vision can take longer to regain. The epithelial cells are removed during the surgery, and these cells require a long time to regenerate. Patients may have restricted visibility for six weeks to two months during this growing period. During your post-op recovery period, you may find it difficult to read, drive, or use the computer as your cells rebuild. Although the cells can regenerate in as little as five days, vision may not be recovered for several weeks. Because LASIK surgery generates a flap to get access to the cornea, the eye’s natural suction seals it, resulting in a faster healing time.
The vision may deteriorate in the days after the PRK surgery. This is due to the cornea’s missing cells. Patients frequently complain of a scratching sensation in their eyes, which varies in intensity depending on the patient. Patients who want both eyes corrected may be advised to schedule procedures for each eye separately. This allows patients to do daily duties with their untreated eye while the other heals. Both eyes are usually treated at the same time during LASIK.
Eye redness and an excessive amount of tears are also negative effects of the operation. To provide comfort and maintain the surface of the cornea smooth, patients may be given bandage contact lenses. For extra moisture, prescription eye drops are frequently given. These drops can be taken for several months to aid in the recuperation process by retaining moisture. To help with any discomfort, most patients are also given anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications.
Patients who get PRK can expect to experience more discomfort than those who have LASIK. Patients who receive PRK may endure discomfort or pain for up to six weeks after the treatment, but LASIK patients may only feel discomfort for four to six hours.
Dry eyes, increased sensitivity, corneal haze, glare or halos, repeated erosions, and scarring are all documented problems that can arise during the post-operative period.
Laser Eye Surgery Cost
How much does LASIK cost in Atlanta, or how much does LASIK eye surgery cost in Atlanta, or how much does LASIK cost in Atlanta, or how much does LASIK cost in Atlanta? We created a unique guide at Atlanta Vision Institute to assist address those queries. A summary of the guide can be found below.
- Both treatments are considered elective, and as a result, they are usually paid for out of pocket.
- PRK will necessitate additional doctor visits in the post-operative term and can cost more or less than LASIK.
- Because of the additional visits and the cost of travel, LASIK may be the more cost-effective option.
Vision Outcome Between PRK and LASIK
Each technique is safe, although there are certain variables, such as corneal surgical procedures, recuperation time, and cost. Overall, PRK and LASIK eye surgery results in long-term vision gains. These outcomes have been shown to provide patients with a high level of satisfaction.
Is PRK cheaper than LASIK?
Because PRK surgery does not need the creation of a flap, it is simpler and faster and hence less expensive, generally costing several hundred dollars less per eye than LASIK.
What is the cost of PRK?
According to Market Scope, the average cost of laser refractive surgery for one eye in the United States in 2019 was $2,246 per eye. This figure included PRK as well as other laser eye surgeries such as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis). The costs that surgery practices reported to Market Scope included a variety of automated technology, some of which you may be able to opt out of in specific situations.
Is PRK as good as LASIK?
Both LASIK and PRK are equally safe and effective. Approximately 9 out of 10 persons who have one of these treatments have 20/20 vision or greater without the need for glasses or contact lenses afterward.
If you’re active, LASIK may be a better option because it provides clean vision sooner. If you participate in contact sports, however, PRK may be the better option because LASIK involves the doctor to carve a flap on your cornea, which could become loose. For patients with thin corneas and dry eyes, PRK may be a preferable option.
Is PRK worth the risk?
Both PRK and LASIK are regarded safe and successful treatments that improve vision considerably. Unless you have specific conditions that force you to do one or the other, deciding between the two can be challenging. Your doctor will recommend PRK if you have thin corneas or impaired eyesight.
Which lasts longer PRK or LASIK?
In terms of permanently repairing your vision, both treatments are equally effective. The key distinction is the amount of time it takes to recuperate.
To see clearly after LASIK, it takes a few days or less, whereas PRK takes roughly a month. If the treatment is performed properly by a licensed, skilled surgeon, the ultimate outcomes will be identical.
Because PRK does not leave a flap in your cornea, it is thought to be safer and more effective in the long run. If your eye is harmed, the LASIK flap left behind may be more vulnerable to damage or complications.
Why does the military prefer PRK?
You’ll need great visual acuity to qualify for specific tasks, whether you want to be a Navy fighter pilot, an Air Force rescue officer, or an Army sniper. Having flawless vision is usually required, and anything less can put your dream of flying on hold. The bad news is this.
What’s the good news? It’s not the year 1980. Your vision may usually be surgically corrected to fulfill stringent vision standards, whether you’re near-sighted, far-sighted, or have astigmatism.
You can gain an advantage in qualifying for these top jobs by having laser eye surgery before joining. You won’t have to wait on a list or work in a supporting capacity while you wait for your procedure.
Having eyesight that is close to 20/20 can affect the course of your military career and your life.
That is why Laser Eye Surgery should be considered before joining the US Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Army, National Guard, or some other law enforcement occupations (including in the NYPD).
The majority of people who get laser vision correction achieve 20/20 vision, and almost everyone achieves 20/40 vision, which will help you pass your obligatory MEPS physical before joining OCS.
While most military branches now accept both LASIK and PRK, PRK and its close cousin ASA is the most popular and is deeply established in military culture. In the military, PRK has been and continues to be the go-to eye correction procedure. It’s also been known to be more readily accepted for specific vocations, such as flying.
One of the main reasons PRK is recommended is the lower likelihood of long-term consequences include night vision problems and dry eyes. Why? A flap is sliced from the top layer of the cornea for LASIK (epithelium). When light enters the eye, the flap can scatter it, generating glare or a halo effect, which is especially bothersome at night. Because LASIK also involves severing the corneal nerves, patients tend to blink less after the procedure, which might lead to a persistent dry eye feeling.
For military soldiers and their teams, both night vision problems and dry eyes (which can occur with LASIK) can be risky, especially if they’re flying, sniping, spotting, or conducting an operation – especially at night.
The recovery time for PRK is lengthier, ranging from 3-5 days for initial recovery to up to a month for full recovery. Patients who have had LASIK surgery normally recover within a week.
However, regardless of the operation you choose, recovery time isn’t as important prior to joining as it is afterward. You’ll probably have to wait a while before getting your pre-entry physical at MEPS. They want to make sure your vision is better and your eyes are healed completely. The waiting period is usually one year from the date of your eye surgery, however it can be as little as six months depending on your branch.
Although LASIK can be used to treat OCS, PRK and other non-cut techniques, such as Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA), are more frequently accepted. Before you sign up for eye surgery, speak with your officer recruiter to learn about any restrictions that may apply to the positions you’re considering.
How many years does PRK last?
After your PRK surgery, you will most likely find that your vision is incredibly clear. However, you should be aware that your cornea’s surface cells, or epithelium, take a week to regrow after a PRK operation.
Your vision will most certainly deteriorate during this time. This is nothing to be concerned about, as fuzzy vision is extremely normal in the first one or two weeks after surgery. In the weeks following the surgery, your vision steadily improves.
The cells smooth out over the course of two to six weeks, allowing for good vision. Clear vision following PRK can take up to three months.
How Much Discomfort Should I Expect?
The level of discomfort experienced following surgery differs from one patient to the next. Mild burning, stinging, and ripping are common side effects of PRK. Some people will have no signs or symptoms of discomfort. Patients may endure significant discomfort in extremely uncommon conditions.
After surgery, we will implant a bandage-like contact lens on your eye to assist relieve discomfort. We will also offer topical drops with a moderate anesthetic, referred known as comfort drops.
When Do I Attend My Follow-Up Appointment?
The day after your operation, you will have a follow-up appointment. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled four to six days after the first. We’ll check on your healing and remove the contact lens at your second appointment. Following your treatment, you will be given a topical non-steroidal drop, a steroid drop, and an antibiotic.
How Many Follow-Up Appointments Will I Need?
You’ll be scheduled to return two weeks after the surgery for your first and second follow-up sessions, and then one month after that. Following these appointments, you will need to return three and six months later, and then one year later.
What Is PRK’s Success Rate?
The photorefractive keratectomy surgery has a high success rate; over 90% of those who have it experience a significant improvement in their vision.
How Long Does PRK Last?
PRK is regarded as a permanent procedure. It cannot, however, prevent the aging of the eyes or the resulting visual problems. You can expect these changes if you get PRK surgery at the age of 40 or older.
LASEK
LASEK is a form of PRK in which alcohol is used to loosen the cornea’s surface cells before they are removed. When a patient has already had LASIK with a corneal flap, LASEK is used. Lifting a LASIK flap after 3 to 4 years is not recommended due to the danger of cells developing under the flap (epithelial ingrowth).
It’s also risky to try to recut a LASIK flap years later because cutting through the previous flap could result in irregularity. LASEK is the only safe option to add laser vision correction to LASIK. Alcohol is utilized in LASEK to relax the underlying epithelial cells, allowing the initial flap to remain intact.
Although LASEK patients may experience additional discomfort because to the alcohol, healing is similar to PRK.
What Is the Difference Between PRK and LASIK?
There are several differences between PRK and LASIK. While both procedures can be done as an outpatient operation, only LASIK can be done in an eye doctor’s office.
In PRK surgery, the top layer of your cornea is removed, whereas in LASIK, a flap is formed by cutting into the top layer of your cornea and then replacing it once your cornea has been reshaped.
Whereas LASIK surgery for both eyes normally takes 30 minutes or less, PRK takes only approximately 10 minutes from start to finish.
PRK at Dougherty Laser Vision
For people who aren’t good candidates for LASIK, PRK is a fantastic option. It is a fantastic alternative for treating nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism because it is safe and effective. Call one of our locations or arrange a complimentary consultation now if you have any questions or want to find out if PRK is appropriate for you.
Can PRK fix astigmatism?
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a laser procedure for correcting refractive defects like astigmatism. One of the following refractive errors may be treated with PRK surgery: Myopia (nearsightedness): Having trouble seeing distant objects.