| TREATMENT OPTIONS Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK)
PRK was the first procedure using the Excimer laser to change the curvature of the cornea for improved vision. The FDA first approved the Excimer laser to perform PRK in October 1995. Although the results with PRK have been very good, Dr. Wall prefers the LASIK procedure. With LASIK, the results have been excellent and the patient has been much happier because there is so much less discomfort, the healing time is much quicker and patients need fewer eye-drops during the post-op period. PRK is a procedure using the Excimer laser to reshape the surface of the cornea so light is focused naturally on the retina. PRK is one method of treating "refractive errors" by microscopically flattening the cornea. Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) Utilizing the accuracy and the precision of the Excimer laser, LASIK changes the shape of the cornea to improve the way light is focused or "refracted" by the eye. First, an instrument called a
microkeratome glides across the cornea and a thin layer of the cornea is lifted up.
Then, in less than 60 seconds, ultraviolet light and high energy pulses from the Excimer laser reshape the internal cornea with accuracy up to 0.25 microns. By adjusting the pattern of the laser beam, it is possible to treat high levels of nearsightedness and moderate amounts of farsightedness and astigmatism. 
After the tissue has been reshaped, the corneal flap is replaced in its original position.
Because of the cornea's extraordinary natural bonding qualities, healing is rapid and does not require stitches. Dr. Wall performs LASIK on an out-patient basis in the comfort and convenience of a surgical suite. Many of the finest surgeons throughout the world prefer LASIK, the most advanced Excimer laser procedure, over PRK for the treatment of low to high degrees of nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
|
Procedure
Comparisons |
| |
PRK |
LASIK |
| Optimal
range of Correction |
+6.00
to -6.00 Diopters |
+6.00
to -14.00 Diopters |
| Success
Rate |
Excellent |
Excellent |
| Enhancement
Rate |
Low |
Low |
| Stability |
Excellent |
Excellent |
| Treatment
of Other eye |
May
treat both eyes during one visit |
May
treat both eyes during one visit |
| Time
Before Resuming Activities |
3
Days |
1-2
Days |
| Advantages |
Extremely
accurate, more stable vision, low re-treatment rate, wide range of
correction |
Rapid
visual recovery, effective for higher myopia, widest range of
correction, may treat both eyes at once, 1-2 day recovery time,
least amount of post-op discomfort |
| Risk
Level |
Low |
Low |
| Possible
Risks |
Infection,
delayed healing, regression, under/over-correction, contact lens
intolerance |
Technically
complex, infection, corneal flap complications, regression,
under/over-correction, corneal surface irregularities, contact lens
intolerance |
| Possible
Side Effects |
Halo
effect, light sensitivity, temporary farsightedness, corneal haze,
fluctuating vision, eye coordination (unless both eyes are treated
simultaneously), higher possibility of post-op discomfort |
Halo
effect, light sensitivity, temporary farsightedness, fluctuating
vision, eye coordination (unless both eyes are treated
simultaneously), little or no post-op discomfort |
|
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