Information:

PRK is the method which appeared in the very beginning of performing corneal laser corrections. It was developed in the early '80s in the USA.

Method is used up to now for it has some advantages:

• Lower price for PRK;
• Takes a little time;
• Accurate outcome prognosis;
• Simplicity of performance, automatic laser mode.

However, PRK has some disadvantages:

• It is done in 2 stages – first it is done for one eye, in a few days for another one;
• After traditional PRK correction patient may have sensations of pain in the eyes, photophobia, and long (up to one month) rehabilitation period.

How PRK operation is done

Technically PRK is much easier than LASIK. First patient is given anesthetic eye drops. Area in the centre of cornea where laser correction will take place is marked out. Then a thin flap of cornea epithelium is removed from this area, and eximer laser starts vaporizing corneal tissues changing its shape according to the computer programme estimated earlier. After correction is done patient is given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops. Eye is covered with a special bandage.

To make laser corrections available to maximum of our patients, our ophthalmologists have improved the traditional PRK method. Their author’s developments allow keeping the price and getting rid of its most sensitive disadvantages.

That’s how EpiLASIK appeared.

EpiLASIK

EpiLASIK is one more improved version of PRK.

EpiLASIK also releases patients from sensations of pain not only during the operation but also after correction.

EpiLASIK can be done on both eyes at the same time.

EpiLASIK is not accompanied by possible complications typical for PRK.

There are no “operational wounds” after EpiLASIK.

EpiLASIK correction is done using eye drop anesthetic.

If You Want to Know the Details:

Unlike traditional PRK using EpiLASIK method means that corneal epithelium (thin protective shell on its surface) is not completely removed. After a certain procedure thin flap of epithelium is carefully moved aside. When laser correction of the cornea is done thin flap of epithelium is returned on its place. It is smoothed and covered with a chilled contact lens. In 2-3 days natural cohesion happens. Special eye drops which help quick recovery of the cornea are usually prescribed after correction.

This method makes the post operational period not less comfortable than after LASIK operation, and provides the optimal result of operations. Consult with Your ophthalmologist the possibility of using this PRK version in Your particular case.