About PRK

Calgary, Alberta

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is the original laser refractive surgery first performed in 1988 in the United States and is performed to correct nearsightedness (myopia) farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia, giving you freedom from glasses and contacts.

PRK is the process of using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea so light is focused naturally on the retina. PRK was the first procedure to use the excimer laser to treat many types of refractive errors and is still the procedure of choice for certain patients. During PRK, the excimer laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove tissue from the surface of the cornea in order to reshape it. Once the cornea is reshaped, it works better to focus light through the eye and onto the retina, providing clearer vision than before.

PRK advantages

• PRK sculpts the outside of your cornea, instead of the inside.
• No incision
• No corneal flap

This makes PRK available to patients who are ineligible for LASIK surgery due to:

• Thin corneas
• Corneal scars
• Corneal dystrophy
• Recurrent corneal erosion
• Large pupils
• Lifestyle choices (such as contact sports)

Since PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap, there are no flap complications - the most common problem encountered with LASIK procedures.

PRK procedure

PRK is same-day surgery, and you will not need general anesthesia. We use numbing eye drops so that you do not have discomfort during surgery. We can give you an oral sedative if you are nervous.

• A speculum holds your eye open so that you do not blink
• The excimer laser precisely removes tissue, reshaping your cornea
• A bandage contact lens is placed on your eye

PRK is a safer procedure for most patients but will require a longer recovery than LASIK. If you have PRK on both eyes you will need about 1 week recovery before returning to usual activities such as work and driving.

Custom ablation

Wavefront technology allows Dr. Anderson Penno to perform very precise corrections in your cornea with a treatment that is individualized to your cornea, giving you the best possible vision, even with high-level aberrations. Custom ablation can be done with PRK or LASIK.

Learn more by reading our Wavefront-Guided LASIK page.

Monovision

Presbyopia develops as we age and is the reason you may need reading glasses or bifocals. Monovision involves correcting one eye for best vision up close and correcting the other eye for distance vision. Most people start to encounter presbyopia at the age of 40-45. They begin to need reading glasses or bifocals for close vision. With monovision, the dominant eye (the eye you would use to focus a camera) is focused for distance vision, and the non-dominant eye is focused for near to intermediate vision. This can be done with contact lenses, refractive surgery, or intraocular lenses.

Is PRK right for me?

If you are ready to see your best and be free from corrective lenses, PRK is probably right for you. PRK may also be appropriate for those who cannot have LASIK; however, for some patients LASIK may be a better option than PRK.

People with certain eye conditions can have refractive surgery. Dr. Anderson Penno will conduct a thorough examination of your eyes during your PRK evaluation to determine if PRK is the right solution for you.

Learn more by reading Who is a Good PRK Candidate?

Dr. Anderson Penno, serving Calgary, Alberta, combines ten years of LASIK and PRK experience, today's most advanced technology, and customized care to give you your best possible vision. Please call or email our office to schedule your PRK evaluation today. At Western Laser Eye Associates, We Focus on Quality Care.