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The Curious Bag
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Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), or simply keratotomy, is a type of laser surgery performed on the eye. It is useful in correcting eye problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
History
PRK has been an approved form of laser eye surgery since 1995, according to the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center.
Function
Unlike laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery, PRK uses a laser to correct imperfections on the cornea without first making a cut, according to the Cleveland Clinic and the Kellogg Eye Center.
Features
PRK eye surgery does not cause pain, but the Kellogg Eye Center reports that some people experience a feeling of pressure during the procedure.
Advantages
Between 95 and 98 percent of people who have PRK achieve 20/40 vision or better without using corrective lenses, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some 90 percent achieve 20/20 vision.
Considerations
PRK works more slowly than LASIK to correct vision. The Cleveland Clinic says that other risks include some vision loss and a glare or halo in the vision.
Source:
Cleveland Clinic: Photorefractive Keratotomy (PRK) Eye Surgery
University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center: Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
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