PRK is a type of refractive laser procedure that improves how rays of light are focused on your retina. Dr. Labor has performed PRK on his Dallas/Fort Worth patients for more than 20 years to help them see life as they never have before.

You may need PRK if you’ve been diagnosed with nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism (when the shape of the eye causes blurry vision). PRK can minimize, or even eliminate, your dependence on glasses and contacts.

PRK and LASIK Comparison

Both PRK and LASIK use a laser to reshape your cornea (the clear front part of your eye) to correct your vision problems. You must be a candidate to have either procedure performed after a thorough examination.

The main difference: LASIK involves cutting a flap in your cornea, where PRK does not. Creating the flap does add some amount of risk.

Side Note: 95% of all issues related to LASIK come from creating the corneal flap, and 95% of those issues occur from using a mechanical microkeratome (an oscillating blade), which we do not use at Eye Consultants of Texas. Instead, we use a femtosecond laser called Intralase to create the flap which lessens that risk.

Since no corneal flap is created with PRK this risk is eliminated altogether, yet visual recovery after PRK does take longer than LASIK. Studies, as well as our own experiences at Eye Consultants of Texas, have shown that when visual outcomes for LASIK and PRK are compared, your final visual acuity (sharpness of vision) will be the same no matter which procedure you have performed.

When PRK is a Good Alternative to LASIK

The following includes types of eye issues that may make PRK a better option for you than LASIK:

• Thin corneas
• Chronic Dry Eye Disease
• If you’ve had previous LASIK surgery
• If you take certain medications like Accutane
• Other issues like herpes simplex virus in the eye

In addition, you must also not be currently pregnant or nursing. If so, you must usually wait for one year after you stop nursing before having this procedure.

Any surgery comes with risks, and at Eye Consultants of Texas your overall health, eye health, and safety always come first. This is why we perform some of the most comprehensive testing you’ll find anywhere. Dr. Labor or any of our doctors can discuss the risks and benefits to determine if PRK is the right choice for you.

Call our office at 817-410-2030 for an appointment and to learn more, or you can schedule an appointment online. Our office in Grapevine is conveniently located to anywhere in Dallas/Fort Worth.