If you are considering candidacy for laser eye surgery and vision correction with LASIK or PRK, there may be some questions about what it takes to be a suitable candidate for the procedure. Here are some of the most essential criteria that must be taken into account when assessing candidacy for laser eye surgery and vision correction:
During surgery, your doctor will first remove the epithelium (outermost layer of cells on your cornea), then reshape it using a blade, special brush, alcohol solution or laser.
Age
If you are 18 or older and your vision correction (myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism) has remained stable over the course of your eyes' natural aging process, PRK surgery could be a suitable option. However, if you have an eye condition such as cornea disease or uncontrolled diabetes, or a history of cataracts in your family history, speaking to an ophthalmologist before considering laser vision correction surgery is advised.
PRK, like LASIK, involves using a laser to reshape the cornea. However, one key distinction between the two surgeries is that with LASIK you need to create a flap in order to create an entirely new layer; with PRK however, an excimer laser takes its place instead of using a scalpel for creating a smooth new surface.
In order to determine if you are suitable for PRK, an ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation. This includes checking your eye health, measuring corneal thickness and reviewing any relevant medical history.
Prior to receiving PRK, you must be free of any infection and possess a healthy immune system. Patients with autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosis or those who have had previous viral infections by herpes simplex or herpes zoster are not advised for PRK.
Your eye doctor will review your medical history and perform other diagnostic tests to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for PRK. They also measure corneal thickness to rule out any conditions which could obstruct reshaping of the cornea or hinder healing after surgery.
PRK does not create a flap to reshape the cornea, making it less vulnerable than LASIK to flap complications such as dry eye or infection. Furthermore, this procedure is ideal for people who engage in contact sports or martial arts that could damage a LASIK flap.
Your ophthalmologist will first remove the outer layer of your cornea (epithelium), then use targeted laser or excimer laser to reshape it. After surgery, a special bandage contact lens is placed over your eye for healing and recovery, and eventually they'll take away the contact lens so you can see clearly again. After several days have passed since surgery, you should be able to return to work and normal activities again; however it's best to take extra precautions such as protecting them from dust particles, dirt, water exposure, excessive screen time, UV exposure etc., during this initial period you should take extra steps to protect them from dust particles, dirt, water exposure, excessive screen time, etc.
Eye Health
PRK eye surgery reshapes the cornea to correct nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. It's a popular alternative to LASIK, usually working better for individuals with thinner corneas or those suffering from conditions such as chronic dry eyes.
PRK is recommended for individuals who have healthy eyes with no ocular injuries or infections, and stable vision for at least a year prior to the procedure.
Your eye doctor will consider several factors when determining if PRK is suitable for you. These include your age, any medical issues that could compromise healing after surgery and the degree of refractive error you currently have.
Candidates should also be aware that their vision may continue to fluctuate even after having PRK done, as the cornea's shape and thickness can shift with age.
Furthermore, if you are experiencing any symptoms related to eye health such as pain, redness or watering, then contact your doctor right away. These could be signs of an infection or other eye issue.
At least 4 days prior to your PRK appointment, it is recommended that you cease taking any medications such as cold or allergy medicine and abstain from alcohol and smoking for 48 hours both before and after the procedure. Doing this can ensure a successful outcome and minimize potential side effects like bleeding or bruising.
Additionally, if you are taking any blood thinners, then consult with your doctor prior to having PRK procedure. Furthermore, diabetics must monitor their glucose levels after the procedure for safety.
Finally, make it a habit of having your yearly eye examinations and being aware of any changes in your health. Doing this will enable your eye doctor to detect any issues early on before they become serious ones and manage them appropriately.
Discover the eye health of a candidate for PRK by scheduling an appointment today!
Refractive Errors
Before opting for PRK Vision Correction Surgery, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your eyes. This includes testing refractive errors, health status and lifestyle factors.
If you suffer from refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism, PRK laser eye surgery could be the perfect solution for you. This procedure reshapes the cornea so light can focus properly on the retina, improving visual acuity and eliminating or reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses.
PRK works by using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea in order to better reflect and bend light, thus correcting most refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism.
Laser reshapes the cornea to optimize its shape, making it more spherical and helping light focus properly on the retina for clearer vision. Furthermore, this procedure allows an ophthalmologist to reshape the cornea without cutting a flap in it, making this procedure less risky for those with thin or dry corneas.
On occasion, patients may experience haze formation during their first day after surgery, leading to blurred or clouded vision and discomfort. This is completely normal and will dissipate over time.
For the first few days after your procedure, you should avoid rubbing or touching your eyes as this can hinder healing. Your ophthalmologist will provide specific medications and eye drops to help keep you comfortable, reduce inflammation, and prevent infections during this period of recovery.
Laser vision correction surgeries such as LASIK and PRK are two of the most popular. In these procedures, your surgeon removes the epithelium layer of your cornea before reshaping it with an excimer laser.
Some patients may need to wear a soft contact lens for several days following the procedure to promote healing and comfort. Your ophthalmologist will suggest a schedule of follow-up visits to monitor progress during healing and ensure you are satisfied with the results.
If you have undergone LASIK and are interested in PRK to improve your vision, contact our office today to book a complimentary consultation! Our helpful staff will answer any queries about PRK and help determine if it's suitable for you.
Lifestyle
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) are two laser eye surgeries that can help you reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses. These surgeries correct refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, all with excellent success rates.
Both LASIK and PRK are widely considered safe and effective treatments for vision correction. During the procedure, your doctor uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, providing you with clear vision.
Your ophthalmologist will assess your eye health and refractive error to decide which procedure is most suitable for you. This may include a comprehensive eye exam as well as testing to measure pupil size, which could affect the outcomes of the operation.
Candidates for LASIK or PRK should be in excellent overall health, with stable vision for at least a year. Individuals with any serious medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease should not undergo this procedure.
Candidates for LASIK or PRK should have a sincere desire to improve their vision and be aware of both the risks and advantages associated with each procedure.
Before your surgery, you and your ophthalmologist will discuss realistic expectations about the expected outcomes of the procedure. They'll also evaluate your current vision and lifestyle to decide whether LASIK or PRK is best suited for you.
Make sure to schedule follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist regularly throughout the recovery period after surgery, as it's important to make sure everything is going smoothly. Since recovery from surgery can take time, be prepared to wear sunglasses outside for some time, as prolonged sun exposure could potentially cause vision problems in the future.
After surgery, you will be given eye drops to help numb your eyes and speed up the healing process. These should be worn for one month or as instructed by your ophthalmologist.
Your doctor can also prescribe medication to reduce post-surgery pain, swelling, or haze as well as your risk for infections. Your eye doctor can inform you more about these potential side effects and how to minimize them.
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