Photorefractive keratectomy facts for kids

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a special type of laser eye surgery. It uses an ultraviolet laser to gently reshape the front surface of your eye, called the cornea. This surgery can help people see better if they have astigmatism (blurry vision at all distances), nearsightedness (trouble seeing far away), or farsightedness (trouble seeing up close).

Unlike another common eye surgery called LASIK, PRK does not create a small flap in the eye. While no surgery is completely without risks, PRK often has fewer serious problems or side effects than LASIK. Some people who cannot have LASIK might be able to get PRK. It is often a better choice for people with very strong prescriptions, thin corneas, or those who might get eye injuries, like athletes.

Some possible side effects after PRK include seeing bright circles (haloes) around lights, starbursts, or glare. Other issues can be a cloudy cornea, dry eyes, infection, or blurry vision. Most side effects are temporary, but some can last longer. Using older laser equipment can make side effects more likely. Sometimes, eye drops used after surgery can also cause temporary side effects.

How PRK Surgery Works

Before the surgery, the doctor puts special anesthetic drops in your eyes. These drops make sure you don't feel any pain during the procedure.

Steps of the Surgery

• First, the doctor gently removes the very thin outer layer of your cornea. This layer is called the epithelium.
• Next, a special laser is used to carefully remove tiny bits of the cornea underneath. This changes the cornea's shape, which helps your eye focus light better.
• After the laser part, a medicine called Mitomycin C is put on the eye. This helps prevent the cornea from becoming cloudy as it heals.
• Finally, a special soft contact lens, like a bandage, is placed over your eye. This lens protects your eye while the outer layer (epithelium) grows back underneath it.

After the Surgery

Your vision will be blurry for a few days after PRK. You might also feel some pain or discomfort. The time it takes to recover from PRK is usually longer and can be more uncomfortable than LASIK.

You will need to use several different kinds of eye drops many times a day for at least a week or more. After about a week, the outer layer of your cornea will have grown back. Then, the doctor will remove the bandage contact lens. You will also need to sleep with a protective shield over your eyes until the contact lens is taken out.

Images for kids

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  Before PRK, doctors check the cornea's shape. This helps them plan the surgery.

See also

In Spanish: PRK Queratectomía fotorrefractiva para niños