Dr. Barry Belgorod

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115 East 61st St. New York, NY 10065
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PRK Eye Surgery

What is PRK?

Prk, or Photorefractive Keratectomy, is the process of using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea so light focuses naturally on the retina. PRK Eye Surgery was the first procedure to use the excimer laser to treat many types of refractive errors and is still the procedure of choice for certain patients. During PRK, the excimer laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove tiny bits of tissue from the surface of the cornea in order to reshape it. Once the cornea is reshaped, it allows light to focus better into the eye and onto the retina, providing markedly clearer vision.

PRK Surgery Candidate

  • People who want to reduce or eliminate dependence on glasses or contacts
  • People who are over the age of 18
  • People that had a stable eye prescription for at least one year
  • Anyone that has corneas too thin for LASIK | PRK VS Lasik
  • People that do not have very dry eyes, cataracts and degenerative or autoimmune diseases

PRK has helped thousands of people improve their vision and their lives with precise, effective excimer laser technology. If you are considering vision correction, learn the benefits of PRK Eye Surgery.

Questions and Answers about PRK Eye Surgery

How effective is PRK eye surgery?

Most people achieve 20/2o or better vision after PRK. Studies have shown that 95 to 98 percent of people who undergo PRK are able to drive legally without the use of corrective lenses.

Is PRK surgery painful?

The surgery is virtually painless and is performed using anesthetic eye drops. After PRK Surgery, pain medication will relieve any eye soreness. Most patients are comfortable within three days.

What is the difference between LASIK and PRK?

Both procedures use a cool-beam excimer laser to reshape the cornea and to correct nearsightedness and farsightedness. During PRK, the laser is used to reshape the cornea on top of the actual shape of the cornea. During LASIK, the laser is used to reshape the cornea after a protective flap of tissue is created and lifted. After a thorough eye examination, your doctor will recommend the procedure that they feel will give you the best results. Take a brief look at the comparisons of PRK and Lasik.

What are the risks or side effects of PRK?

Although most PRK patients have no complications, some patients may experience light sensitivity, glare or starburst effects around headlights and other bright lights in the evening hours. There may also be some fluctuation of vision during the stabilization period but in most instances, this subsides within six months following surgery.

PRK Surgery Day

Most people don’t feel pain during PRK Eye Surgery. First, the eye is numbed using eye drop anesthesia. Then, the physician removes a thin, protective layer of tissue that covers the cornea, called the epithelium. Guidelines must be followed before PRK Eye Surgery to ensure the best scenario. During the procedure, the physician will instruct you to look directly at the laser’s fixation light. Then, the excimer laser produces a beam of cool light that lasts only a few billionths of a second, reshaping the surface of the cornea. After the cornea is reshaped, the epithelium is allowed to grow back, which typically takes 3 to 5 days.

Is PRK Eye Surgery good for me?

Are you considering vision correction, but aren’t sure what the best option might be? If you are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism, PRK may be able to help you reduce or eliminate your dependence on glasses and contacts, and improve your vision easily and affordably. Worldwide, over 500,000 people have had their vision improved with PRK. PRK Eye Surgery is widely recognized as one of the most popular forms of refractive surgery. Call Dr. Barry Belgorod today set up a consultation and see if PRK Eye Surgery is right for you.