Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) uses a computer controlled excimer laser to reshape the cornea. After your refraction (your prescription for glasses or contacts) is entered into the computer, it is able to calculate the amount of tissue to be removed. The laser then delivers the programmed number of pulses of laser light to your cornea. Each pulse removes a microscopic layer of corneal tissue from above the pupil, causing this area of the cornea to flatten. This flattening allows rays of light to come into focus on the retina. This procedure seems most effective in patients with low to high myopia. (-1.00 to -7.00) as well as astigmatism ( up to +3.00).

1: Myopic cornea has too steep a curve	2: Excimer laser removes some layers of the cornea	3: Central cornea flattened

Since PRK treats the corneal surface directly, vision recovery may sometimes be slow. Patient's will usually feel some degree of discomfort. This can vary from patient to patient and the amount of the treatment. Usually one eye is treated at a time with the other eye done several weeks later. Because of these limitations, most doctors and patients prefer the LASIK procedure.

With our new excimer laser, we are now able to perform PRK in our office. To learn more about this exciting new technology, follow this link.

If interested in this or any other refractive surgery procedure, please call 607-257-5599 and ask to speak to a refractive surgery coordinator. Or email the office at KStuttle@ArleoEye.com and put "Refractive Surgery Question" in the subject line. They will be happy to give you more information.