PRK
Laser Eye Surgery
What is PRK?
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a type of laser eye surgery used to reshape the surface of the cornea. It can help correct short-sightedness (myopia), long-sightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism.
PRK is often recommended for patients with thinner corneas or higher prescriptions where LASIK may not be suitable.
If you’re over 18 and have healthy eyes, you may be a candidate for PRK. At Vista Eyes, your suitability will be carefully assessed through a comprehensive set of tests to evaluate the shape and condition of your eyes.
To begin the procedure, Dr Wolfe gently removes the thin outer layer of cells on the surface of the eye (the epithelium) using a special solution that softens the tissue for easier removal.
Next, the cornea is reshaped using the WaveLight® EX500 excimer laser. This laser applies a personalised, computer-guided treatment pattern to the cornea. A high-speed eye tracker monitors the position of the eye throughout the process to support precision and accuracy.
A clear, protective contact lens is placed over the eye after the laser treatment to help protect the surface as it heals. The contact lens is usually removed after five days, once the surface cells have regrown.
Both eyes are typically treated on the same day. Vision generally improves over the following weeks as the eyes continue to heal. Most people are able to return to their usual activities about a week after the procedure, depending on individual recovery.
Laser eye surgery is considered a safe and effective procedure. However, like all surgical or medical treatments, there is a small risk of complications.
Most risks are uncommon and, when they do occur, are usually minor or temporary. Any known risks or potential side effects will be explained in detail during your consultation, along with a personalised assessment of your suitability for PRK.
To help your ASLA procedure go smoothly, please follow these steps before surgery:
• Stop wearing soft contact lenses at least 3 days before surgery (or as advised by your surgeon)
• Stop wearing hard contact lenses at least 4 weeks before surgery (or as advised)
• Avoid makeup, eyelash extensions, moisturisers, perfume, cologne, and aftershave on the day of surgery
• Choose clean, comfortable clothing without fibrous or fluffy materials
• Take your usual prescribed medications, unless instructed otherwise
• Eat a light breakfast or lunch before your appointment
• Bring non-prescription sunglasses to wear on your way home after surgery
If you have any questions about these instructions, contact the Vista Eyes team before your scheduled procedure.
Meet your Surgeon- Dr Rick Wolfe
Dr Rick Wolfe is an experienced ophthalmic surgeon with a focus on laser eye surgery.
He has performed tens of thousands of procedures over his career and is regularly invited to present at international conferences on developments in laser vision correction. Dr Wolfe is known within the profession for his clinical expertise and contributions to innovation in the field.
Your PRK Laser Eye Surgery
PREPARE FOR EYE SURGERY
To help your PRK procedure go smoothly, please follow these important pre-operative instructions:
Before surgery:
• If you wear soft contact lenses, leave them out for at least 3 days (or as advised by your surgeon).
• If you wear hard contact lenses, leave them out for at least 4 weeks (or as advised).
• Avoid wearing make-up, eyelash extensions, moisturiser, perfume, cologne, or aftershave on the day of your procedure.
• Choose comfortable clothing and avoid fluffy or fibrous fabrics that may shed.
On the day of surgery:
• Take your usual medications unless your surgeon tells you otherwise.
• Have a light breakfast or lunch before arriving at the clinic.
• Bring a pair of non-prescription sunglasses to wear on your way home, as your eyes may be sensitive to light.
If you have any questions before the day of your surgery, feel free to contact the Vista Eyes team for support.
ON THE DAY OF SURGERY
When you arrive at Vista Eyes for your PRK procedure, you’ll have a chance to speak with Dr Rick Wolfe and ask any final questions. Once pre-operative checks are complete, we’ll go over your post-operative eye drops, medications, and any aftercare instructions.
A mild sedative can be offered to help you feel more relaxed. You’ll remain awake for the procedure, but the process is typically brief and well-tolerated.
Before surgery begins:
We’ll apply anaesthetic eye drops to numb your eyes. You may feel slight pressure or some stretching around your eyelids from the instrument used to keep your eye open, but you should not feel pain.
You’ll be lying comfortably on your back, looking up into a microscope. Dr Wolfe will ask you to focus on a small, green flashing light to help keep your eye steady during treatment.
The procedure:
• A solution will be applied to the surface of your eye to gently remove the outer layer of cells (epithelium).
• Once the surface cells are removed, the Wavelight® EX500 excimer laser will be used to reshape your cornea. The laser is computer-guided and custom-calibrated to your prescription.
• Treatment typically takes 5 to 15 seconds per eye, depending on the level of correction required.
After the laser treatment, a clear contact lens will be placed over your eye to protect the surface as it begins to heal. This lens will be removed around five days later.
To support healing, you’ll also be given a pair of eye shields to wear during sleep for the first four nights, to prevent accidental rubbing.
Before you leave the clinic, your eyes will be checked once more. You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home, and we recommend resting for the remainder of the day.
AFTER PRK EYE SURGERY
You’ll need someone to drive you home after your PRK procedure. We recommend planning to rest comfortably for the remainder of the day, perhaps having a sleep or simply keeping your eyes closed.
In the initial days following PRK, your vision will fluctuate, often appearing blurry while the surface cells of your cornea heal and regenerate. After the protective contact lens is removed, usually around five days after surgery, your vision should steadily improve, continuing to stabilise over several weeks. Most patients feel ready to resume their usual daily activities about one week after their PRK procedure.
It’s common to experience some discomfort or a gritty feeling in your eyes during the first few days. Dr Wolfe will provide you with medication to help manage this. Additionally, you’ll receive antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and lubricating eye drops to support healing and improve comfort during your recovery.
To protect your eyes from accidental rubbing during sleep and to ensure the contact lens stays undisturbed, we’ll provide you with protective eye shields to wear for five nights.
Your first follow-up appointment will typically occur five days after your procedure, when we’ll remove the contact lens. Further assessments are usually scheduled at one month and four months post-procedure, or until your eyes have fully stabilised.
PRK EYE SURGERY RECOVERY
How soon before I can …?
- Wear make up? 1 week (eye make up only), next day (all other make up)
- Have a shower? Same day but avoid getting water or soap in your eyes
- Wash my face? Same day but avoid the eye area
- Go back to work? 5-7 days later
- Go swimming? 1 week
- Exercise? 1 week strenuous exercise but no contact sports for two weeks
- Drive? PRK patients will be advised when they can drive, usually 5 – 7 days after surgery
- Rub my eyes? 1 week (gentle rubbing at first)
- Fly in a plane? Next day but we prefer you remain in the country for at least 2 weeks following your procedure
- Use a computer? Next day, however the quality of your vision may fluctuate
See what’s possible for your eyes.
We’re here to help you understand your options and guide your next steps. Book a consultation to explore what may be suitable for your eyes.
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