Are you searching for a vision correction procedure because you found out you’re not a good candidate for LASIK? PRK and LASEK are similar procedures but are usually better for patients who are not candidates for LASIK.
If you have poor eyesight, you might be interested to know that there’s a long-term solution to this problem. Wearing glasses and contact lenses comes with troubles and expense – and these could be a thing of the past if you invest in your eye health with PRK in Los Angeles.
Glasses can be broken, scratched, and lost. Not to mention the continuous swap between clear-lens glasses and sunglasses. This can be an unnecessary bother, especially when you’re busy or trying to enjoy your day.
Contact lenses can cause dry eyes and irritation. While they’re not as noticeable to others, you still have to carry the much-needed accessories (such as a case and cleaning solution). Lenses can be dropped, leaving you in a situation where you desperately need a replacement, and fast.
For those exploring different vision correction options, we also offer SMILE eye surgery in Los Angeles, a minimally invasive and advanced procedure. But you can bypass all the pitfalls of glasses and contact lenses by learning more about PRK eye surgery in Los Angeles, and how it can make a revolutionary change to your day-to-day life.
What is LASEK or PRK Surgery?
LASEK is a laser eye surgery that does not create a corneal flap. PRK is similar to LASIK. The fundamental difference lies in the surgical technique used to help correct your vision. PRK involves removing the epithelial layer from your eye, to allow the surgeon unrestricted access to your cornea.
The surgeon will then adjust the cornea so that you have the clear vision results that you’ve always wanted.
PRK is a safe procedure that takes as little as 10 minutes to complete. Before any tools are used, you will be given numbing drops to ensure your eye is desensitized throughout the procedure. Patients do not experience discomfort during the corneal adjustment.
Am I a candidate for LASEK or PRK?
Unfortunately, PRK surgery isn’t suitable for all candidates and some restrictions apply when assessing eligibility. Patients with an irregularly shaped cornea won’t get the results they desire from PRK. This is particularly the case for those who have some eye conditions and diseases that distort the cornea.
Those with glaucoma or advanced cataracts are similarly ineligible for PRK surgery, due to both the nature of the procedure and the healing process afterwards.
If you are pregnant or nursing, we recommend waiting until you have finished nursing before considering any eye/laser treatments.
Some other medical conditions may also exclude you as a candidate. If you’re uncertain, please reach out to our team in Los Angeles for advice before scheduling PRK treatments.
You might be a good candidate for LASEK or PRK if:
- Your vision is stable and it hasn’t gotten any worse in the last year
- Your corneas are healthy
- You don’t have eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus
- You’re over 18 years old and in good health
- You’re not currently pregnant or nursing
SMILE is another option for those interested in having LASEK or PRK. Like LASEK and PRK, SMILE doesn’t involve creating a flap in the cornea. It may be safer for patients who have thinner corneas or suffer from dry eye syndrome that don’t qualify for LASIK.
How does LASEK work?
During the procedure, your surgeon will provide you with numbing eye drops. This ensures you won’t feel any discomfort while having LASEK! You will focus on a blinking red light as the surgeon works.
You won’t have to stay still for long, and your surgeon will talk you through the procedure. Dr. Lin is one of the first surgeons in the Los Angeles area to offer LASEK to patients!
How does PRK work?
During PRK, you’ll have the epithelial layer completely removed. This gives the surgeon access to the cornea.
A specialized contact lens is placed over the cornea to protect it as it heals. Unlike LASIK, there is no flap created during PRK, which makes the procedure better for patients who may have naturally thinner corneas or those who are not qualified for LASIK.
The existing corneal tissue from the epithelium that stays on the eye acts as a natural bandage for the area treated.
Will I have both eyes treated at the same time for LASEK or PRK?
Yes. You will have both eyes treated at the same time when you have PRK or LASEK. Treating both eyes at the same time leads to a faster recovery and lets you enjoy your crystal-clear vision in less time!
What is the recovery process like when you have LASEK or PRK?
How long it takes you to recover after having LASEK or PRK depends on your age, how active you are, and more. Most patients are able to drive themselves to their follow-up appointment the day after having LASEK.
With LASEK or PRK, most patients can drive 3-5 days after their procedure. It can take three to six months to fully heal after PRK.
On the day of your procedure, you’ll need somebody to drive you home. You cannot drive yourself home after you’ve had LASEK or PRK.
Your doctor will tell you to rest, wear sunglasses outside to avoid harming your cornea and use eye drops so your eyes don’t get infected. You may feel discomfort and experience blurred vision for a few days after surgery.
This is only temporary and will usually go away on its own.
What are the risks of LASEK and PRK?
In general, LASEK and PRK are very safe procedures. This is especially true when you work the skilled surgeons at IQ Laser Vision.
But risks are part of any medical procedure. Potential LASEK and PRK risks include:
- Dry eyes. After LASEK and PRK, you might experience dry eyes for a few weeks as your eyes heal.
- Glare or halos. Laser eye surgeries can sometimes cause glare or halos as you recover.
- Foreign object sensation. Foreign object sensation is the feeling that something is in your eye. LASEK and PRK patients may experience this sensation while recovering.
- Corneal haze. Some patients may develop blurred vision from extra scar tissue. This is a rare side effect of LASEK and PRK surgery.
- Increased healing period, especially compared to LASIK
What are the benefits of LASEK and PRK?
- LASEK and PRK at IQ Laser Vision have a lot of benefits. You won’t need to wear glasses or contact lenses anymore, which means you’ll save money and a lot of hassle.
- Your vision will be clear, and your corneas will be stronger. When you choose LASEK or PRK instead of LASIK, you won’t have any of the potential complications that might come with creating a corneal flap.
- LASEK and PRK are also good options for patients who might not qualify for LASIK. If you have a thin cornea, a high prescription, or a cornea that’s irregularly shaped, LASEK could be a better choice for you.
Will my vision change later in life?
Your vision will probably change later in life. But that’s not because of your laser eye surgery.
Later in life, you may develop presbyopia, meaning it becomes harder to focus on objects that are up close, or cataracts, which occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy.
Cataracts are most likely to develop in your forties or fifties. Laser surgery simply gives you clear vision, so you don’t need glasses or contact lenses.
LASEK or PRK will not prevent the development of future eye conditions.
Will I still need to wear glasses?
You might need glasses after PRK or LASEK surgery for certain activities, such as reading. But in most cases, your vision will be improved so much that you don’t need glasses or contacts anymore.
What happens during a complimentary PRK consultation in Lost Angeles?
You can visit your refractive surgeon in Los Angeles and other convenient locations at IQ Laser Vision for a complimentary consultation. This visit will help you decide if PRK or LASEK are the best choice for you.
At this consultation, your surgeon will explain the procedures and examine your eyes. You can also ask any questions you have about PRK and LASEK.
If you’re also in need of a cataract surgeon in Los Angeles, our team at IQ Laser Vision can provide comprehensive care for a range of eye conditions. Dr. Lin, our highly qualified and experienced surgeon here at IQ Laser Vision, is well-known in the industry for producing clear results. He’s backed by a team of knowledgeable and friendly staff who assist with each stage of the procedure. You’ll get to know your surgical team through consultation, so you know that they have the skills and know-how to bring back your vision efficiently and effectively.
If you would like to find out more about PRK surgery in Los Angeles and would like to know if you would make a good candidate for this treatment, you can schedule a free consultation. During this consultation, you will have an eye assessment to determine whether PRK or LASEK is the best course of treatment for you.
