Photorefractive Keratectomy in Birmingham 

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a type of vision correction surgery that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism by reshaping the cornea with a laser. Think of it simply as LASIK with no flap. Whereas LASIK creates a corneal flap and applies laser to the underlying cornea, PRK applies laser to the outer corneal surface. This procedure is usually performed one eye at a time with recovery time in between up to 2 weeks.

PRK is perfect for those who:

• Want to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts
• Are over 18 years of age
• Have had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
• Have no health issues affecting their eyes
• Have corneas unfit for LASIK (too flat or thin)
• Have unclear vision after Corneal Transplantation
• Want better natural vision after cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange

What to expect:

All patients are prescribed pills to take the morning of surgery to help them relax.  You will be given a time to arrive at our laser center (located on the 2nd floor, St. Vincent's Health & Wellness Center at 119).    

Your surgeon will greet you, review what to expect during the procedure and answer any remaining questions.  You will receive a series of eye drops to numb the eye.  You will then be taken to the operative suite, where the area around your eye will be sterilly prepared.    

When the surgery commences, our surgeon will prepare the cornea and apply the laser which typically takes less that 60 seconds.   A "comfort" contact lens is inserted and left in place for 4-5 days.   The entire procedure is painless,  takes just a few minutes to complete and a noticeable improvement in vision is immediate. You will be escorted to a room for examining prior to being discharged with protective eye wear.  

It is common to experience much improved vision for the first two days, then worsening of vision for two days while the surface of the cornea is healing, followed by a rapid improvement in vision.  Typically vision is very clear at the end of the first week if not sooner.  There is minimal discomfort except for day three where you might need to use the numbing drops you were given.  Most patients resume normal activities the day after surgery and driving is permitted a long as vision is clear.  Eye drops are prescribed and you will follow up 4-5 days after surgery to have the contact lens removed. Drops will be tapered over a 4-6 week period.   

Call 888-841-EYES today to schedule your FREE consultation