PRK & LASEK From Your London Eye Clinic

Discover Precision Vision

From £2000 per eye

What Is PRK?

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a type of laser eye surgery that corrects refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. This method is particularly suitable for individuals with thinner corneas or those engaged in activities where eye injuries are more likely.

What Is LASEK?

Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy (LASEK) is a laser eye surgery technique designed to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. This approach combines aspects of both LASIK and PRK surgeries, offering an alternative for patients with thinner corneas or those unsuitable for LASIK.

PRK Treatment Steps

PRK and LASEK

PRK and LASEK are among the surface techniques. Thus, the corneal epithelium is pushed aside or removed first, mechanically (PRK) or with a special scraper (LASEK). In contrast to the LASIK / FEMTO-LASIK, in which a complete corneal flap is generated, a thin layer of corneal epithelium is remained in PRK / LASEK.

Excimer laser

With the excimer laser, the cornea is ablated to a certain thickness with the excimer laser – on the basis of the measured values at the preliminary eye examination. The refractive power of the cornea is thereby changed, so that incoming light rays now bundle correctly on the retina – a sharp visual image is created.

Finally

Finally the corneal epithelium is pushed back and the cornea is covered with a protective contact lens. The first 3 to 5 days the contact lens protects the epithelium that has yet to heal, and is then removed. It may take two to three months until the stability of vision is attained.

Good to know about PRK/LASEK

PRK–The Alternative Procedure

PRK (Photo Refractive Keratektomy) and LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) are fallback procedures and should only be preferred to LASIK/FEMTO-LASIK in special cases.

PRK and LASEK treatments leave a larger wound area, which can cause significant discomfort and pain.
Additionally, a mild to severe scarring can occur, which must be treated preventively with cortisone eye drops over a long period.
In PRK, the healing process is supported by a contact lens.
Overall, the patient must be prepared for a long time of adjusting to the improved vision.

On the Contrary, LASIK/Femto LASIK Guarantees:

An almost painless healing process. Because the wound in the depth of the cornea is protected by the “Flap”, it creates no scars
And the improved vision adapts very quickly.

As mentioned before, PRK or LASEK are only fall-back procedures. For this reason, EuroEyes generally only carries out this treatment with patients that have very thin corneas or particular professional reasons, and therefore can’t go through with LASIK/FEMTO LASIK. Furthermore, the treatment options for LASEK or PRK are limited. only myopia up to max. -6 dpt and astigmatism up to max. -3 dpt can be corrected. The correction of farsightedness and presbyopia is not possible.

In Summary, the Advantages of LASIK / Femto-LASIK Compared to PRK / LASEK:

Faster visual rehabilitation
Painfree
Refractive stability
No regression of the visual disorder

PRK/LASEK treatment process

1. Personal, Non-binding Consultation:

All relevant eye parameters are measured.
We determine what the best method of treatment is for your eyes
Examine your eyes to make sure you are a suitable candidate for the treatment

2. A Thorough Medical Preliminary Examination

The examination usually lasts about two hours
Intensive ophthalmic preliminary examination and measurement of your eyes
Our specialists in ophthalmology will explain every detail about the treatment
Before this preliminary examination you should not have worn soft contact lenses for one week and hard contact lenses for two weeks
Please note that after the examination you will not be safe driving a vehicle: neither car, nor motorcycle or bicycle. We therefore recommend that you take a cab or public transportation
Following the examination you will receive an after-care set for the days after your treatment. The medication and content will be explained in detail by our staff

3. On the day of your PRK/LASEK treatment

We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing on the day of treatment.
You can eat and drink regularly on the day of treatment, please do not smoke.
For reasons of hygiene, it is important that you wash your face thoroughly before the treatment, completely remove make-up and do without perfume.
Drop anesthesia is used
Outpatient procedure, no eye bandage, sunglasses recommended
Total duration of surgery (both eyes): approx. 25 min.
You are not allowed to drive a vehicle after the treatment

4. After PRK/LASEK operation

Please don’t rub your eyes.
The doctor will explain the administration of the artificial tear use, the combination of eye drops that prevents swelling and inflammation, and pain-killing drops to you in advance.
Professional activity after 1-2 weeks
Sports activities, as well as swimming and sauna after approx. 2 weeks.
Follow ups: four days, one week, one month and three months after surgery
Driving is only permitted again with the doctor’s permission.

FAQ's

What is the difference between PRK and LASEK?

Both PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy) are laser eye surgeries that correct refractive errors by reshaping the cornea. The primary difference lies in how the corneal epithelium is handled. In PRK, the epithelium is removed entirely and regenerates over time, whereas in LASEK, the epithelium is preserved, treated with an alcohol solution, moved aside during surgery, and then repositioned afterward.

Am I a suitable candidate for PRK or LASEK at EuroEyes London?

Ideal candidates are over 18 years old, have had a stable vision prescription for at least six months, possess healthy eyes without active inflammatory diseases, and are not pregnant or breastfeeding. These procedures are often recommended for individuals with thinner corneas or those who engage in contact sports, where creating a corneal flap (as in LASIK) might not be advisable.

How long does the recovery process take for PRK and LASEK?

Recovery times can vary. Generally, patients may experience discomfort for 2-3 days post-procedure as the epithelium heals. Vision improvement is gradual, with many returning to work within a week. However, it can take up to two to three weeks before achieving driving-standard vision.

How do PRK and LASEK differ from LASIK?

The main distinction is in the treatment of the corneal epithelium. LASIK involves creating a corneal flap, reshaping the underlying tissue, and then repositioning the flap. In contrast, PRK removes the epithelium entirely, allowing it to regenerate, while LASEK preserves and replaces the epithelium after reshaping the cornea. These differences can influence recovery times and suitability based on individual eye conditions.

Are PRK and LASEK procedures painful?

The procedures themselves are typically pain-free due to the application of numbing anesthetic eye drops. However, after the surgery, patients might experience discomfort or pain for 2-3 days as the epithelium heals. Painkillers and eye drops are provided to manage this post-operative discomfort.

What are the potential risks or side effects associated with PRK and LASEK?

Common temporary side effects include dry eyes, sensitivity to light, variable vision, and glare or light scatter when driving in the dark. Serious complications like infection are rare, occurring in approximately 1 in 5,000 cases.

How soon can I resume normal activities after surgery?

Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities, including work, within a week. However, it’s advisable to avoid swimming for at least two weeks and contact sports for about a month to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Will I need to wear glasses after undergoing PRK or LASEK?

While many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better after surgery, some might still require glasses for specific tasks, especially reading, as they age. The need for glasses post-surgery depends on individual healing and the presence of age-related vision changes like presbyopia.