Refractive surgery is done on an outpatient basis with most people returning to their normal activities within one to three days. In PRK, the top layer of the cornea is removed so the surgeon can reshape the underlying cornea. Once the flap is returned to its original position, it protects the treated corneal tissue. The full effect will be achieved within 4-6 months after surgery. Note that some patients may still need to wear glasses or contact lenses following their procedure.
Lasers focus a beam of light.
There are different types of lasers whose energy is generated by various kinds of gases. The specific wavelengths of the light produced by the different gases affect different types of tissue. By mixing Argon and Fluoride gases together in an electrically charged cavity, the excimer laser produces a cool beam of highly precise ultraviolet laser. Instead of burning tissue, the excimer actually breaks the chemical bonds between the individual molecules of corneal tissue, all with little or no damage to surrounding cells. This process is known as photoablation, or vaporization using laser light.