For those who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, traditional corrective lenses like glasses and contacts can be inconvenient. While LASIK is a popular solution, it’s not always suitable for everyone. Khanna Vision Institute offers Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Custom Wavefront PRK, advanced laser vision correction procedures that provide an alternative path to clear, natural vision without the need for glasses or contacts.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is the original laser eye surgery from the nineteen eighties. It’s the original laser-based procedures which was invented before Lasik. It corrects all common vision issues such as myopia or near-sightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, and astigmatism. Even today it still remains a great option for certain candidates due to its safety and effectiveness. Unlike LASIK, PRK reshapes the cornea without creating a flap, making it ideal for those with thinner corneas or a little abnormality in cornea shape who might not qualify for LASIK nor want EVO ICL.
What PRK Offers?
PRK offers a lasting way to sharpen your vision without glasses or contacts. It is especially recommended for those in contact sports like basketball, football, boxing. It gives you the freedom to live an independent natural life. You may want to eliminate glasses and contacts if you are an active sportsperson, outdoor person, follow all the latest fitness trends, living your aesthetic life, or just want the convenience of clear vision without the hassle of contacts and glasses.
PRK vs LASIK: What’s the Difference?
Both PRK and LASIK reshape the cornea to improve your vision, but here’s how they differ:
PRK doesn’t create a corneal flap, making it suitable for people with thinner corneas or those involved in high-contact activities.
LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, which results in quicker visual recovery but may not be suitable for those with thinner corneas.
If you’ve been researching vision correction, you may have noticed that PRK can take longer to heal than LASIK. This is true; however, PRK is often recommended for those who want a “no-flap” option or have unique eye needs. PRK is sometimes called a “foundation” laser procedure because of its simplicity and stability over time.
Why PRK Might Be Perfect for You
If you’re thinking about laser vision correction but want to know which procedure is right for you, here’s what makes PRK stand out, especially if you’re in the 18–35 age range:
1. No Corneal Flap: In LASIK, a small flap is created on the cornea, which heals but may cause issues for people with active lifestyles. With PRK, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed and grows back naturally. If you’re into sports, fitness, or any activity where eye safety is a factor, PRK might be the right choice.
2. Stability and Longevity: PRK has been around since the late 1980s and is a proven, stable option for correcting vision. Once your eyes heal, the correction is permanent, making it a great investment in yourself for decades to come.
3. Clear Vision Without Compromise: For those with thin corneas or unique eye shapes that don’t work with LASIK, PRK is a safe and effective alternative. A thinner cornea is common in people who are genetically predisposed or those who have worn contact lenses for many years.
4. Thin Cornea: If your Cornea is thinner than 475 microns PRK would be safer for you. Normal Corneas are over 500 microns. Even if the cornea is normal thickness but your prescription is high for LASIK, PRK would be a good choice.
5. Abnormal shape of Cornea: IF there is asymmetry of the shape of the cornea, PRK becomes the superior choice.
The PRK Procedure: What to Expect
Knowing what to expect can make a huge difference, especially if this is your first big procedure. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during PRK:
1. Pre-surgery Consultation: The process starts with a thorough eye exam. Your doctor will measure your eyes, check your vision, and discuss your medical history. They’ll also look at the thickness of your cornea to make sure PRK is right for you.
2. The Procedure: On the day of surgery, you’ll be given numbing eye drops to ensure your comfort. Using an advanced laser, your surgeon will carefully reshape the cornea’s surface, correcting the way light enters your eye. The procedure itself takes about 10–15 minutes per eye.
3. Recovery and Healing: Since the outer layer of the cornea needs to grow back, the healing process is slightly longer with PRK than with LASIK. You may experience mild discomfort for a few days, but your doctor will give you drops to manage any irritation. Clear vision typically begins to return within a few weeks, and full visual acuity may take one to three months to settle in.
4. Results: By the time your healing is complete, you’ll be enjoying sharp, natural vision that can last a lifetime. Many people who undergo PRK achieve 20/20 vision or better, making a real impact on daily life, work, and adventures.
Custom Wavefront PRK: Taking Vision Correction to the Next Level
Custom Wavefront PRK is an enhancement of traditional PRK, utilizing advanced wavefront technology to map the unique imperfections of each individual’s eye. This personalized approach allows the laser to make even more precise corrections, addressing subtle optical imperfections called higher-order aberrations. These imperfections can affect night vision, create halos or glare, and limit overall clarity.
By targeting these unique irregularities, Custom Wavefront PRK delivers sharper vision and a reduced risk of visual disturbances, especially under low-light conditions. This level of precision can improve not only the quality of vision but also patient satisfaction, providing a truly customized outcome that meets each patient’s unique visual needs.
The Benefits of PRK and Custom Wavefront PRK at Khanna Vision Institute
- A Solution for Patients Who Aren’t LASIK Candidates
Because PRK does not involve creating a corneal flap, it’s ideal for those with thin or irregular corneas who may not qualify for LASIK. This means more people can benefit from vision correction surgery. - Reduced Risk of Flap Complications
Since PRK doesn’t create a flap, there’s no risk of flap-related issues, making it a preferred choice for individuals with active lifestyles or those in contact sports where eye injuries are a concern. - Improved Night Vision with Custom Wavefront Technology
The advanced wavefront technology used in Custom PRK not only sharpens vision during the day but also helps reduce glare, halos, and other visual issues that may occur in low-light conditions. This can make a significant difference for drivers and those who struggle with night vision. - Permanent Vision Correction
PRK and Custom Wavefront PRK provide long-lasting vision correction. Once your eyes have healed, the results are generally stable and long-lasting, offering a true solution to reliance on corrective lenses.
Benefits of PRK for Gen Z and Millennials
1. Freedom from Glasses and Contacts: Whether you’re on a remote work video call or out with friends, clear vision without extra eyewear feels liberating. No more prescription lenses, cases, or solutions!
2. Enhanced Fitness and Lifestyle: Running, hiking, gym sessions, sports, and outdoor activities become easier when you’re not worried about glasses falling off or contacts drying out. PRK removes these barriers, so you can focus on doing what you love.
3. Tech-Savvy Choice: Today’s PRK procedure is performed using the latest laser technology, providing precision, safety, and excellent results. It’s cutting-edge tech for a high-quality experience and long-lasting results.
4. Avoiding Contact Lens Issues: Contact Lens wearers know that they can irritate or even harm your eyes in the long term. PRK removes the need for contacts, reducing the risk of eye infections, allergies, and dryness.
What to Expect During and After PRK
The PRK procedure itself is quick, usually taking around 15 minutes for both eyes. After the initial preparation, a cool excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct the vision. While the surgery is painless due to numbing eye drops, some mild discomfort can occur as the epithelium heals over the course of a few days.
Recovery is gradual, with vision improving over several weeks as the cornea fully heals. During this time, patients are given eye drops to assist healing and reduce discomfort. Patients typically experience improvement within a few weeks and can enjoy full visual results within a few months. Most people find the wait well worth the end result—clear, natural vision.
Why Choose Khanna Vision Institute for PRK and Custom Wavefront PRK?
At Khanna Vision Institute, you’re treated by experienced specialists in refractive surgery. Dr. Rajesh Khanna, a world-renowned ophthalmologist, brings years of experience in laser eye surgery, ensuring you’re in capable hands. The institute utilizes cutting-edge technology to deliver safe, effective outcomes with personalized care.
