This ability to sculpt, rather than cut, opens up the arena for treating additional vision conditions. At this stage, there are excimer laser machines that with a combination of masks and computer controls, can reliably treat myopia, hyperopia and now astigmatism. Safety Although PRK sculpts only a tiny amount of tissue from the cornea, it is a surgical procedure and thus the outcome cannot be guaranteed. Any surgical procedure should be undertaken only after careful consideration of the likelihood of success and consequences of any possible risks or side effects. The safety of the procedure is judged on the basis of the chance of a possible complication.
Serious complications are extremely rare.
Infection is the most worrisome complication and fortunately it can usually be eliminated with antibiotic medications. Other possible problems include delayed surface healing, corneal haze and or scarring, over or undercorrection, and the development of astigmatism. Some individuals can have a poor or excessive healing response. Again most complications remain treatable with medications or further surgery. It is also important to separate the normally expected side effects of surgery and healing from real complications.