PRK at Northwest Eye Surgeons
Are you seeking freedom from glasses and contacts but have been told you’re not a good candidate for LASIK? PRK may be the perfect solution for achieving the crystal-clear vision you’ve always wanted.
At Northwest Eye Surgeons, our experienced ophthalmologists specialize in PRK procedures using advanced laser technology to help patients achieve exceptional visual outcomes. Our dedicated team understands that each patient’s vision needs are unique, and we’re committed to providing personalized care that delivers lasting results.
What is PRK?
PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, is a vision correction procedure that treats refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. As the first laser vision correction procedure ever developed, PRK has helped millions of patients worldwide achieve visual freedom.
The procedure works by reshaping the cornea to correct how light enters your eye. When your cornea has an irregular shape, or your eye is too long or too short, light doesn’t focus properly on the retina, causing blurry vision.
PRK precisely removes microscopic amounts of corneal tissue to create the ideal curvature, allowing light to focus directly on the retina for sharp, clear vision. What makes PRK unique is its flapless approach.
Unlike LASIK, which involves creating a flap in the cornea to access underlying tissue, PRK gently removes the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) to access the underlying tissue. This fundamental difference makes PRK an excellent option for patients who may not be suitable candidates for other vision correction procedures.
How is PRK Different from LASIK?
While both PRK and LASIK use excimer lasers to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors, the key difference lies in how the corneal tissue is accessed. LASIK creates a thin flap on the corneal surface, while PRK removes the epithelium entirely before reshaping the underlying corneal tissue.
This flapless approach offers several advantages to specific patients. Because no flap is created, there’s no risk of flap-related complications, making PRK ideal for patients who carry a higher risk of eye injury, such as those who participate in contact sports.
The procedure also preserves more corneal tissue, making it suitable for patients with thinner corneas or dry eye who may not qualify for LASIK. However, recovery from PRK takes longer than LASIK since the epithelium must regenerate naturally.
Most patients experience gradual improvement in their vision over five to seven days, with optimal results typically achieved within several months.
Your Vision, Our Expertise—Close to Home
State-of-the-Art Refractive Centers in Bellevue & Seattle
Experience personalized, advanced laser vision correction at our modern refractive surgery centers in Bellevue and Seattle. Whether you’re on the Eastside or in North Seattle, our trusted surgeons provide the same high level of care and precision you’d expect from the region’s leaders in vision correction.
Bellevue
LASIK & SMILE Center
12400 SE 38th St, Suite 201
Bellevue, WA 98006
Seattle
Comprehensive Surgical & Refractive Care
332 NE Northgate Way
Seattle, WA 98125
Call Today! 855-647-6453
Who is a Good Candidate for PRK?
PRK is particularly beneficial for patients who are not suitable candidates for LASIK. You may be an excellent candidate for PRK if you have:
To qualify for PRK at Northwest Eye Surgeons, you should meet these general criteria:
During your comprehensive consultation, our skilled ophthalmologists will perform detailed measurements and evaluations to determine if PRK is right for your specific needs and vision goals.
What to Expect During Your PRK Procedure
Your PRK procedure at Northwest Eye Surgeons is performed in our state-of-the-art surgical facility and typically takes less than 10 minutes per eye. To begin, your eye surgeon will numb your eyes with topical anesthetic drops, and a gentle eyelid holder will be placed to keep you comfortable and prevent blinking during the procedure.
Your surgeon will carefully remove the epithelium, and then you’ll focus on a target light while our advanced excimer laser, programmed with your specific eye measurements, precisely reshapes your cornea. A special therapeutic contact lens will be placed over your eye to act as a bandage and promote comfortable healing.
Throughout the procedure, our experienced team will guide you through each step, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed.
What is PRK Recovery Like?
Right after your procedure, you’ll need someone to drive you home, and we recommend resting for the remainder of the day. Some moderate discomfort is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
You may experience some eye irritation, light sensitivity, and blurry vision during the first few days of recovery. It’s crucial not to rub your eyes during this healing period.
Most patients experience gradual improvements in their vision within 3 to 5 days. You’ll need to use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
Your vision will continue to improve over the following weeks and months. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.
The Benefits of PRK
After PRK, the majority of patients enjoy crisp, clear vision for decades, with many experiencing even sharper vision than they had with glasses or contacts. With freedom from these visual aids, you can eliminate the frustrating hassles and recurring costs that come with them in just one quick procedure.
The visual freedom that PRK provides extends beyond just clear sight, with patients enjoying enhanced performance in sports and outdoor activities, as well as improved convenience for travel and daily activities.
While PRK cannot prevent vision changes from other eye conditions, such as presbyopia or cataracts, it permanently corrects your refractive errors to provide years of vivid, glasses-free vision.
Choose Northwest Eye Surgeons for Your PRK Journey
At Northwest Eye Surgeons, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional PRK outcomes. We’re committed to providing comprehensive care from your initial consultation through your complete recovery.
Our team takes the time to understand your unique needs and lifestyle to ensure PRK is the right choice for your vision correction journey.
Ready to discover if PRK could be your path to visual freedom? Contact Northwest Eye Surgeons today to schedule your comprehensive consultation.
