Carter Eye Center Lasik Vision Correction Blog - Dr Harvey Carter, Dallas TX

At Carter Eye Center in Dallas, TX, Dr. Harvey Carter has been delivering the most advanced LASIK technology for over 20 years. Read our blog to discover why he was named the Official LASIK provider of the Dallas Cowboys.

Friday, September 10, 2010

PRK

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) predates LASIK as a refractive surgery. However, it was not approved by the FDA until the mid 1990s. It is now used regularly as an alternative to patients who may not be ideal candidates for LASIK. This includes patients whose corneas are too thin for a successful LASIK outcome.

The PRK procedure is performed with an excimer laser to remove corneal tissue and reshape the cornea. It can correct astigmatism by smoothing an irregularly shaped cornea. Patients who are nearsighted or farsighted can benefit for PRK, and 20/20 or 20/40 vision can be achieved.

PRK is performed on an outpatient basis. The actual surgery itself may take only about a minute. Although you are awake for the entire procedure, it is completely painless with the use of anesthetizing drops.

There may be mild discomfort following the PRK procedure, but this can be taken care of with medication if it becomes too much for you. You will also be given antibiotic drops and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. You may not see the final results of your PRK procedure for several weeks or months.

If you are interested in finding out if you are a candidate for PRK and are in the Dallas, Texas area, please contact the experienced PRK doctors at the Carter Eye Center today for an initial consultation.

posted by Megan P at 2:22 PM