PRK: How Effective Is It and What Are the Success Rates?
Here at Atlantic Laser Vision Center, we’re proud to offer different eye care solutions to meet the needs of patients. This versatility and focus on the patient is what makes us one of the leading eye care centers in Monmouth County.
For instance, in addition to offering state-of-the-art LASIK surgery, we also offer PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), a laser vision correction procedure that yields comparable results ot LASIK and allows people to see without the need for glasses or contacts.
What Is PRK?
PRK is a laser eye surgery that is used to correct refractive errors. PRK is a good option to consider for people who experience mild to moderate nearsightedness (myopia) as well as low to moderate farsightedness (hyperopia).
During PRK, a laser reshapes the patient’s cornea, the clear frontal portion of the eye. By doing this, the passage of light through the eye is improved, allowing proper focus on the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
How Does PRK Differ from LASIK?
The primary difference between PRK and LASIK is how the topmost layer of the cornea (known as the epithelium) is addressed. In LASIK, a flap is created in the epithelium that is lifted and then set down to heal. In PRK, the epithelium is cut away, with the epithelial cells growing back during the healing process.
General Success Rates of PRK
In terms of the overall success rates of PRK, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates the overall success to be around 95 percent. This means PRK patients experience a notable improvement in their vision quality.
Patient Satisfaction Rates of PRK
The patient satisfaction rates for PRK are comparable to the general success rates. A number of studies have rated PRK patient satisfaction as high as 95 percent.
Vision Quality of PRK Patients
The success and patient satisfaction rates have to do with the results achieved through PRK. In general, 92 percent of PRK patients achieve 20/40 vision or better with their surgery; an estimated 70 percent of PRK patients achieve 20/20 vision. This means that the overwhelming majority of PRK patients see clearly and do not need to wear glasses or contacts.
How Does This Compare to LASIK Success and Satisfaction?
The success rates and patient satisfaction rates for PRK are comparable to those achieved through LASIK. This explained why so many people are turning to laser eye surgery in order to see clearly and enhance their quality of life.
Is PRK Right for Me?
The best way to find out if PRK or another type of laser eye surgery is right for you is to schedule a consultation at our practice. We’ll be able to go over the risks and benefits of laser vision correction in greater detail and help you understand all options available.
Contact Atlantic Laser Vision Center
For more information about PRK and your other options for advanced vision correction, be sure to contact our laser eye surgery center today. The team at Atlantic Laser Vision Center will help you make the best choices when it comes to your eyesight and total wellness.