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 PRK or photorefractive keratectomy is one of the safest and most time-tested laser vision correction procedures available. Before LASIK, PRK was the most common refractive surgery procedure. Like LASIK, it reshapes the cornea to improve vision. PRK is now used mainly for patients with large pupils or thin corneas.
The first step in PRK is to remove the epithelium, a thin layer protecting the cornea. Then the surgeon uses an excimer laser to vaporize a small amount from the top of the cornea. LASIK, by contrast, cuts a deep flap in the cornea using a sharp microkeratome blade. This weakens the cornea, makes it difficult to replace the flap in precisely the right place, and can cause other complications including flap irregularity, epithelial ingrowth and corneal ectasia. PRK avoids these risks.
Studies have shown that 90-95% of patients with a correction of up to -6.00 diopters achieve vision of 20/40 after PRK, and up to 70% achieve 20/20. Patients needing less correction generally achieve better results. The risks of PRK include infection, haze, slow healing, scarring, over- or under-correction of the visual condition, and development of astigmatism.
 The IntraLase® FS laser is a highly precise tool aiding in corneal flap creation, the first step in laser vision correction surgery. It allows for a completely blade-free laser surgery. During the procedure, the IntraLase laser fires 15,000 pulses per second into the cornea, where the flap can be created at a depth and diameter determined by the surgeon as appropriate for each individual patient. This creates a customized procedure for the patient. In addition to benefiting from this pinpoint (2-3 micron) accuracy, patients who undergo surgery conducted with the IntraLase laser are less likely to need an enhancement (follow-up) procedure than with other technologies.
 The Visian ICL™ by STAAR Surgical is an insertable contact lens used to correct myopia (nearsightedness) in adults aged 21-45 without altering the cornea. Visian ICL offers High Definition Visian, a higher quality of vision than LASIK. It is the only minimally-invasive foldable lens available in the U.S. Made of a patented collagen-containing material called collamer, the Visian ICL is highly biocompatible, meaning it can be implanted in the eye with minimal risk of rejection.
Under topical anesthesia, the ICL and a gel-like substance is placed behind the iris through a tiny incision in the cornea. The gel is then removed. The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes and no stitches are required.
The ICL's location allows it to provide excellent quality of vision and also ensures that it is invisible to the patient and others. The ICL can be removed or replaced at any time, and patients can wear glasses or contact lenses or choose to have other procedures done with the ICL in place.
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