First an anesthetic eye drop is given to numb the eye and a circle marker is gently touched to the eye. Second, the doctor will remove the top layer of the cornea called the epithelium. The laser beam flattens the surface of the cornea correcting the patient's vision. The entire procedure is done by laser with no incision or sutures required. Lastly, a protective contact lens is placed on the cornea to assist in healing.
Vision is usually clear within a few days to a week of the procedure.
The procedures described above involve certain risks. Your surgeon or a staff member can discuss the possible risks and benefits of the available procedure with you in more detail. This reshaping allows light rays to properly focus on the retina. PRK or Photo Refractive Keratectomy is usually used for lower degrees of correction, and is performed on the surface of the eye. When you come in for your screening, you will meet with one of our refractive coordinators and discuss the available procedures and evaluate which procedure would be right for your.