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Laser Eye Surgery
PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK
PRK changes the refractive power on the surface of the central corneal tissue. A computer-controlled cold light laser (Excimer laser) removes tiny parts of the corneal tissue in the optic center without contact. LASEK and Epi-LASIK are modern forms of the PRK.
Synonyms:
PRK: Photoablative Refractive Keratectomy
LASEK: Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis
ELSA: Excimer Laser Subepithelial Ablation
Epi-LASIK: Epithelial Laser-in situ-Keratomileusis
Indication
— Nearsightedness up to -3 dptr
— Astigmatism up to approximately 3 dptr
Properties
— good predictability when used for specified indications
— correction is performed at the optic center, on the corneal surface
— regeneration of the corneal surface within 3 to 4 days
— recovery time of 4 to 6 weeks with fluctuations in vision
— postoperative pain on the first day after surgery
— non-reversible effect
The procedure
With PRK, LASEK or Epi-LASEK, the ablation of corneal tissue appears on the cornea surface. After the out cells (epithelium) are removed, the excimer laser burns off corneal tissue (0.25 µm per pulse) is made without producing damaging heat. The center of the cornea has a thickness of approximately 500 µm to 600 µm (500 micrometer = 0.5 millimeter = ten times the thickness of a hair). Corrective ablation will only be made to an extent that the thickness of the remaining corneal tissue will be 400 µm or more. This guarantees the stability of the eye.
PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK differ in the way the epithelium is removed: PRK uses a knife, LASEK alcohol and Epi-LASIK a mini keratome.
For the first two days after surgery, you may experience pain or irritation to the eye. This can be reduced effectively by wearing a therapeutic contact lens or taking adequate medication. Additionally, the use of eye drops supports the healing process for the first few weeks after surgery.
PTK
PRK is also used as a special therapeutic treatment to remove surface scars or chronic lesions on the cornea. In this case, it is referred to as PTK (Phototherapeutic Keratotomy).
