With LASIK eye surgery being the most prevalent procedure for men and women who struggle with farsightedness, nearsightedness, and astigmatism, PRK is an excellent option that delivers the same outcomes as LASIK but with a longer post-surgery recovery. PRK (photorefractive kerectomy) technology has been refined since its inception in the early 1990s to improve how light focuses on the retina by reshaping the cornea. Dr. Brian Will employs PRK on patients with thin corneas or who struggle with other factors that disqualify them from LASIK.

Like LASIK, PRK results are permanent. PRK opens the door for many more patients to receive long-lasting eye correction who are not good candidates for LASIK. Now let’s learn more about the surgery and its long-term results.

Understanding PRK Eye Surgery and Its Long-Term Results

Your eyesight is vital for optimal quality of life. PRK refractive laser eye surgery is for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and can help with poor vision. About 80% of patients see improved vision one-month post-surgery—95% after three months.

What Is PRK Eye Surgery?

PRK is a laser eye surgery designed to correct a refractive problem where your eyes don’t bend light correctly, preventing you from seeing at your best. As a result, you may not require glasses or contact lenses, or at the least only for reading or driving at night.

Why Is PRK Performed?

Board-certified opthalmologist Dr. Brian Will performs PRK to treat refractive errors in your eyes by changing the shape of your cornea. This procedure enhances the process of how light focuses on your retina. PRK is for women and men diagnosed with the following eye issues:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia)
• Farsightedness (Hyperopia)
• Blurry vision (Astigmatism)

What’s the Difference Between PRK and LASIK?

LASIK is another laser eye surgery that corrects the shape of your cornea. Unlike LASIK, PRK doesn’t cut the flap in your cornea. PRK may be best if you have dry eyes, thin corneas, or have an extensively active lifestyle where the activity can dislocate the cornea flap.

All laser-correction eye surgeries reshape the cornea or clear the front of your eye so light traveling through it focuses onto the retina in the back of your eye correctly. During PRK, Dr. Will uses the high pulsing ultraviolet light beam on the cornea surface, not beneath the corneal flap as in LASIK.

LASIK’s recovery is a shorter recovery period and involves less discomfort after the procedure. If you have a PRK, you’re likelier to have hazy eyesight for a short period. Typically, the quality of vision long-term from a PRK is as good as LASIK.

Why Choose PRK Over LASIK?

LASIK is the most recent technology when compared to a PRK. LASIK involves the risk of the flap getting dislocated. Because a PRK doesn’t include a flap, which physical activity can displace, pilots, athletes, and anyone who leads an active lifestyle may prefer it.

How Long Do PRK Eye Surgery Results Typically Last?

As the excimer laser used in the procedure permanently reshapes the cornea, the newly created shape will last forever. The subsequent clear vision should remain as well. PRK, or any corrective refractive surgery, does not guarantee that there will not be any changes in sight in the years following surgery due to natural aging or any optical conditions that may arise in the future. However, for most people, PRK-improved eyesight is permanent.

PRK procedures require multiple appointments to ensure you receive the best results possible. Laser eye surgery technology helps surgeons by scanning the eye’s surface to create a detailed map, known as topography. Topography allows Dr. Will to plan your PRK procedure accordingly. With PRK, he will gently swab the epithelium, the cornea’s thin outer layer. Next, the excimer laser will alter the cornea’s shape and correct refractive errors.

Patients should be aware that recovery includes vision changes. Almost immediately, patients notice clear vision. But because the top layer of the corner was removed, it takes about a week for those surface cells to grow back. As this happens, vision can worsen, appearing blurry. This occurrence is expected. However, vision becomes clear again within a few weeks post-surgery once those cells smooth out.

Exploring the Long-Term Efficacy of PRK Eye Surgery

A new sixteen-year PRK European study shows long-term safety and efficacy. When PRK laser eye surgery was first performed, patients’ long-term data about its performance wasn’t available. Today, however, PRK surgery has a long track record of helping surgeons understand how it performs over the long term.

PRK was the first laser eye corrective surgery. It was first performed experimentally in the United States on a blind human eye in 1981 and first performed on an eye with vision in Germany in 1986. We, therefore, have over twenty-five years of clinical data on PRK.

While surgeons have been performing PRK for a quarter of a century, long-term formal studies are challenging to achieve at a practical level since it’s difficult to have patients doing well to return for tedious study measurements. Despite this difficulty, the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery published a sixteen-year long-term study of patients who have previously undergone PRK.

In this study of the long-term effects of PRK, thirty-nine eyes of twenty-three patients were studied for sixteen years. Sixteen years after surgery, twenty-seven eyes had 20/20 vision or better without glasses, and thirty-six eyes had 20/30 or better vision without glasses. Furthermore, all patients said they were happy and would do PRK again today if necessary. Keep in mind, PRK laser eye surgery in 1999 was relatively primitive compared to the modern wavefront-guided PRK we use today, which makes these results even more impressive.

In conclusion, the authors of this remarkable study said, “Our study found refractive stability for sixteen years post-operatively with a very low level of serious long-term sequelae and high levels of patient satisfaction.”

PRK Eye Surgery: Are Long-Term Results Worth the Investment?

The excellent news is LASIK and PRK results are considered a permanent solution for vision correction, and most patients find their improved eyesight lasts a lifetime. A consequence of refractive laser surgery is that your cornea’s curve is re-contoured, and the cornea will most likely maintain its new shape. Here are some aspects you should consider about the long-term impact of these vision correction surgeries.

Vision Stabilization Before PRK or LASIK

Everyone experiences changing visions throughout their lives, and many people experience many of these changes during their early years. However, once a person reaches their mid-twenties, it’s common for their vision to stabilize, and there may be minimal changes in their prescriptions.

When you talk with an eye surgeon about PRK or LASIK surgery, they will examine your eyes and determine if your vision has stabilized. If you are still experiencing vision changes, it might be better to wait a while before investing in PRK or LASIK eye surgery. However, if you choose to have surgery before your vision has stabilized, you may need to have the procedure again because your eyesight will continue to change after the surgery.

Surgical Results After PRK or LASIK

Technology has come a long way, and eye surgeons can offer top-of-the-line treatment to improve your vision. But, it is essential to remember that there are differences in how each person’s eyes will heal, which means that the outcomes can differ depending on the person. In most cases, PRK or LASIK surgery is sufficient to improve the person’s vision, and they don’t need to worry about other types of vision corrections.

However, there are some situations where a person might have PRK or LASIK and won’t achieve the vision correction results they were expecting. Dr. Will may recommend having a second PRK or LASIK enhancement procedure completed, which can help you achieve the desired results. Typically, if a second procedure is needed, results will be permanent after the second surgery.

The Pros and Cons of PRK Eye Surgery for Long-Term Vision Correction

Any surgical or medical treatment will have positive and negative aspects. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the advantages and disadvantages ahead of time and have realistic expectations to ensure you’re getting the best treatment option.

At the time of your decision to undergo surgery, Dr. Will and his team will review your PRK risks, benefits, and alternatives to PRK surgery.

Advantages of PRK

• A highly accurate method to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
• As many as 90% of people who complete PRK have at least 20/20 vision (sometimes as acute as 20/40) without wearing glasses or contacts. However, we should note that patients may still require glasses for reading and nighttime activities.
• For thin cornea patients, who are not candidates for LASIK surgery, PRK is a practical option
• PRK is the preferred option for athletes. This preference is because the LASIK procedure requires cutting a corneal flap, which can become dislocated on contact.
• PRK achieves the same long-term results as LASIK

Disadvantages of PRK

• As with any surgery, PRK comes with inherent risks. These potential complications include scarring, infection, and difficulties with night vision and driving.
• Though highly accurate, some patients may suffer over or under-correction, requiring another PRK procedure
• In rare cases, vision may become worse after PRK
• PRK requires a longer recovery than LASIK. LASIK eye surgery is almost immediate, while PRK takes five to seven days.
• Most vision correction surgeries are considered elective and are not covered by insurance

What You Can Do to Maximize the Longevity of PRK Results

Because PRK recovery is more involved than LASIK, there are essential steps you can take to ensure you maximize the surgical outcome and your long-term results. They include:

Store Your Eye Drops in the Refrigerator

Dr. Will will send prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops. You will enjoy these chilled soothing eye drops. Because you may experience dry eyes early in your healing process, Dr. Will may suggest lubricating your eyes frequently with preservative-free artificial tears. Keep vials in your pocket at all times and store additional vials in the fridge. 

Buy a Lightweight Cold Compress for Your Eyes

If you choose PRK, placing a cold compress over your eyelids and forehead can help your eyes feel less irritable. This practice will help you sleep. Please get approval from Dr. Will before using compresses on your eyes.

Wash Your Hair the Morning of Surgery

We advise our PRK patients not to wet their eyes for a couple of days. Naturally, washing your hair increases the risk of filling your eyes with water or shampoo. That’s why we ask our patients not only to avoid showering for 24 hours but to avoid traditionally washing their hair or face for a few days. Instead, use a damp cloth to wash your face while avoiding your eyes. If you accidentally get soap and water in the eyes, avoid rubbing them and rinse well with artificial tears to remove any irritation. While we’re on the subject, hot tubs and saunas are forbidden for one month after surgery.  

Download Entertainment That Doesn’t Involve Looking at a Screen

Since Dr. Will will instruct you to avoid screens and bright lights for a couple of days, you’ll want to have a game plan to keep your mind busy while recovering from PRK. Consider downloading podcasts, music, or books to help you relax.

Set Up Your Cell Phone for Comfort

Enlarge the text size and reduce screen brightness to minimize eye strain and dry eyes during recovery because you’ll spend less time reading texts. If you have an iPhone, you can use Siri to read email and notifications or texts from friends so you don’t need to look at your phone’s sceen.

Have Acetaminophen As a Back-Up to Any Prescription Pain Medication

PRK patients typically experience post-op pain for the first couple of days. They may be given prescription pain medication, but it is good to have acetaminophen on hand for breakthrough pain between medication doses or to address moderate pain.

Rest Is Vital

Don’t be eager to jump back into your daily routine too quickly after surgery. Even though you’re excited because you see so clearly, your eyes need time to recover. Resting your eyes is advantageous for optimal healing during recovery.

Contact Us for More Information

If you are considering refractive laser eye surgery to enhance your vision permanently, Contact Dr. Will at Will Vision and Laser Centers and schedule an in-office consultation.

Contact us today  or call us at (877) 542-3937 to schedule your consultation today!

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PRK, also known as photorefractive keratectomy, involves a type of refractive surgery to correct myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia. It was big before LASIK was a thing. Nowadays, PRK is still performed on patients in certain situations and differs from LASIK in several ways.

The recovery, for starters, tends to last longer than the LASIK healing period. Following PRK surgery, it may take a few weeks or months before your eyesight stabilizes. Fortunately, most people resume driving within two weeks after the procedure. Also, patients tend to suffer more discomfort than with LASIK. And there are specific things you shouldn’t do right after the operation to ensure your eyes heal properly.

What Is PRK Surgery?

During this surgery, your ophthalmologist will use a laser to correct vision problems caused by refractive inaccuracies. Refractive issues prevent your eyes from bending light properly. Once fixed, you no longer have to wear glasses or contacts.

Avoid Bright Lights

It is critical to avoid bright lights after PRK surgery, including sunlight from outside or bright indoor light. Your eyes will be hypersensitive for a while, and bright lights may cause discomfort. To protect your eyes, wear a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses to block all bright light for a time.

Be Mindful of Your Environment

Your eyes are prone to discomfort after PRK surgery. Specific environments increase the likelihood of this happening. Just like bright sunlight, try to avoid dry, smoky, and dusty environments. These areas may trigger unpleasant dry eye irritation.

Avoid Makeup and Creams

Creams and makeup may irritate your eyes after surgery. Many creams and lotions contain chemicals harmful to your sensitive eyes. They should be avoided for at least a week after the procedure.

Keep Your Eyes Dry

Now is not the time for taking a dip or exerting yourself. Sweat or water can irritate your eyes and cause discomfort.

Be Careful About Your Medications

Some medications may cause side effects that harm or irritate your eyes. Therefore, you should consult with your eye doctor before taking any type of medication, including aspirin.

Don’t Skip Post-Surgery Appointments

Follow-up appointments are vital to your eye health, especially following a PRK procedure. Post-surgery office visits allow your doctor to monitor your eyes to make sure they are healing correctly. They’re also an excellent time to discuss any concerns you have or ask questions about your recovery. Unlike LASIK, PRK surgery is typically followed by planned follow-up visits.

To learn more about proper eye care after PRK surgery or how to correct your vision with safe and effective treatment, contact Dr. Brian Will at Will Vision and Laser Centers located in Vancouver, Washington, and Salem, Oregon.

Schedule an in-office consultation or call 877.542.3937 today!

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PRK, or photorefractive keratectomy, surgery is an older form of refractive surgery. It employs a laser to treat vision defects caused by refractive errors in one or both eyes.

During the procedure, Dr. Brian Will at Will Vision and Laser Centers will use a specific instrument to keep your eyes open, thus allowing him to remove the cells on the surface of your eyes.

Next, Dr. Will uses laser technology to remove unnecessary tissue and reshape your corneas. He then places a contact lens in your eyes to serve as a temporary covering while you heal. Your eyes may burn, itch, or be in some discomfort for approximately three or four days after the procedure. In addition, you may experience watery eyes, blurry vision, or a runny nose for a few days. The contact lenses will be removed within four days after surgery, but it may take a few weeks for your vision to clear.

PRK surgery enhances the way the cornea concentrates rays of light on the retina. As a result, it is an effective option for conditions like nearsightedness, astigmatism, and farsightedness. By effectively improving your vision, the surgery removes the need for contact lenses or glasses.

Risks of PRK Surgery

Complications during PRK surgery are rare, so it is a popular form of laser eye surgery. However, like any eye surgery, there are some risks to be considered. These include corneal haze, corneal infection, corneal scarring, and halos around lights.

Avoid Sun Exposure After PRK Surgery

While PRK is popular and effective, it does have potential side effects. If you are considering undergoing PRK, by understanding what these are, you’ll have realistic expectations about the surgery and its recovery process.

One of the most common complications is light sensitivity. After PRK surgery, you will notice you are susceptible to bright light, particularly direct sunlight. You may be sensitive to indoor and outdoor lighting. Don’t worry, as this is a natural part of the healing process.

After undergoing PRK surgery, your eyes will need time to adjust to your cornea’s new shape. During recovery and visual adjustment, you will notice some changes in your contrast and light sensitivity. In addition, you may see problems with glare, starbursts, halos, and various other light perception matters.

Light sensitivity issues after having PRK may last for a few weeks. However, the sensitivity will decrease daily. After having PRK surgery, avoiding direct sunlight will assist with your healing and reduce any discomfort. If you have to go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun exposure.

Need to Learn More in Vancouver, Or?

To learn more about proper eye care or correct your vision with safe and effective treatment, contact Dr. Brian Will at Will Vision and Laser Centers located in Vancouver, Washington, and Salem, Oregon.

Schedule an in-office consultation or call (877) 542.3937 today!

The post Why It’s Is Critical to Avoid Sun Exposure After PRK Surgery appeared first on Will Vision.

You dream of life without glasses and are finally ready to make it happen. Two of the most popular options for vision correction surgery are LASIK and PRK. What’s the difference between these two procedures? Which option is best for you?

We’ll explain some of the primary differences between LASIKand PRK below. If you have any questions or need personalized advice, call our offices at 877-542-3937. As a top provider of refractive surgery in the Pacific Northwest, we can help you find the right solution for your eyes.

LASIK vs. PRK

Both LASIK and PRK share a similar goal. These procedures were designed to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The primary difference between these two procedures is the method they use to correct your vision.

LASIK and PRK improve vision by reshaping the cornea. For perfect vision, the eye should be round, similar in shape to a baseball. Unfortunately, many of us have eyes that are shaped more like a football, elongated, not round. The eye can be reshaped by removing part of the cornea. This improves vision by reducing the distortion that occurs as images enter the eye.

LASIK cuts a flap of tissue in the cornea, using either a high-powered laser or a sharp blade. This flap is lifted so the cornea can be reshaped. PRK does not create a flap. Instead, the outer layer of the eye is removed, allowing the laser to reshape the cornea.

LASIK and PRK may achieve the same goal, but the differences in treatment often mean that one option will be a better fit for your lifestyle, vision, and preferences. At Will Vision and Laser Centers, we realize that both PRK and LASIK are valuable options for vision correction and we offer both treatments to our patients in our Salem, OR and Vancouver, WA offices. Let’s improve your vision! Call our offices to schedule your refractive surgery consultation and get started on a journey to better eyesight.

LASIK Basics

LASIK is one of the most popular and well-known options for vision correction surgery. LASIK stands for laser-assisted in-situ keratomileuses. LASIK has a high level of patient satisfaction, and research shows that 96% of LASIK patients are satisfied with their results. When performed by an experienced refractive surgeon like Dr. Will, LASIK is safe and effective for improving vision.

The first step in a LASIK treatment is creating the corneal flap. We use a femtosecond laser to create this flap. The tissue is peeled back, and a specialized laser is used to reshape the underlying cornea. The tissue flap is placed back into position and the patient returns home to recover. We offer Bladeless LASIK, which means that only laser energy is used during the procedure.

Most patients find that LASIK is painless. We use a local anesthetic; eye drops typically. The treatment takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

Recovery from LASIK is quick for most patients. Many return to work in a few days. We’ll provide specific recovery instructions at the time of your procedure.

PRK Basics

PRK, short for photorefractive keratectomy, is another type of refractive surgery. PRK was the first type of laser eye surgery to correct vision. It was created and used before LASIK. It may be older than LASIK, but it remains a solid option for laser vision correction. Newer doesn’t always mean better.

During PRK a thin layer is removed from the surface of the eye. This exposes the corneal tissues that we’ll reshape during your treatment. A laser refines the shape of the cornea using ultraviolet light. Start to finish, PRK takes less than 15 minutes, and patients return home to recover shortly after.

Recovery is longer after PRK than LASIK. You’ll need to wear a special contact lens that acts as a bandage for about 5-7 days. It can take 1-3 weeks to return to driving and up to 6 months to see full results. Patients also report more discomfort after PRK.

PRK is typically a better option than LASIK for patients with thin corneas or large pupils. It may also be a better choice for patients that are more likely to get an eye injury in the future. With PRK there is no flap and no potential for flap complications. If you’ve been told that you’re not a good candidate for LASIK, PRK may work for you.

Which Option Is Best for Me?

There are pros and cons to both LASIK and PRK. However, most patients are delighted with their results regardless of the procedure they choose. We’ll help you weigh the benefits of each treatment and select the best option for your eyes and lifestyle.

Call Will Vision and Laser Centers today to schedule your refractive surgery consultation.

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Board-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will of Will Vision and Laser Centers offers PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), a laser eye surgery that gives patients clear near and distance vision by correcting common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. As a predecessor to LASIK surgery, PRK has been used for over 25 years as a vision correction procedure and is often recommended as an alternative procedure for patients who aren’t considered good LASIK candidates. If you are having PRK surgery, you may be wondering what the recovery period will be like. Read on to learn more about how you can prepare for, and what to expect during, PRK recovery.

What to Expect the First Few Days

It is common to experience symptoms like red, itching, swollen eyes, along with discomfort, for the first few days after surgery. Light sensitivity, which presents itself as seeing halos and glare from bright lights, is also common during this time. Patients should avoid driving for the first few days after PRK. It is also important to rest as much as possible during this time so that your eyes can heal. Prescription medication can be used to manage discomfort, and patients should avoid rubbing, scratching or getting water in the eyes. Avoid going outdoors or wear sun protection (such as UV sunglasses and a hat) to protect your eyes. Artificial tears can also help quell discomfort caused by dry eye, another common occurrence after eye surgery.

What to Expect after the First Week

By the one-week mark after PRK surgery, patients typically don’t experience any more discomfort. The protective contact lens that is placed at the end of the procedure will be removed by your doctor around this time, though you will still need to be mindful of protecting your eyes from the sun during the day. You may still experience blurred or hazy vision for the first few weeks after having PRK, though most PRK patients have good enough vision (20/40 or better) to return to driving, working and other normal daily activities after the first week. Night driving, however, may still pose a challenge for the first few weeks due to light sensitivity, and therefore should be avoided until you get clearance from your eye doctor.

Schedule Your PRK Surgery Today

To learn more about PRK surgery, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Will, contact our office by calling (877) 542-EYES (3937).

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Are you seriously considering laser eye surgery for clear vision without glasses or contacts, but don’t know where to start? Dr. Brian Will, board-certified ophthalmologist at Will Vision & Laser Centers, is here to help with some steps to take before undergoing eye surgery.

Step 1: Consult with Your Eye Surgeon

Not sure which laser vision procedure is best for you? Need to know how much time, if any, you will need to take off of work in order to recover? Wondering just how clear you can expect your vision to be after surgery? These and other questions will be answered at your pre-surgery consultation. During this time, your eye surgeon will also discuss your medical background with you, including whether you have any diseases (eye or otherwise) and whether you are on any medication. He will then walk you through the procedure, explaining what to expect during each step. This is also the time where he will give you post-operative instructions to ensure that the short downtime you experience is as comfortable as possible. Remember, this is also your time to ask any questions you may have about your procedure and what to expect before, during and afterwards.

Step 2: Stop Wearing Your Contact Lenses

Depending on which type of vision correction procedure you will be undergoing, and which type of contacts you wear (soft or hard), your eye surgeon will typically ask you to stop wearing contacts for two or more weeks before surgery. Since contact lenses can distort the shape of the cornea, you will need to go without wearing them for a while so that your cornea returns to its normal shape. This will allow the eye surgeon to take accurate measurements of your eyes, which will then be used to plan your surgery.

Step 3: Don’t Wear Cosmetics or Face Creams

Your eyes (and face) will need to be as clean as possible during surgery. This is why most eye surgeons will tell you to refrain from wearing cosmetics, lotions, creams and any other topical products on your face starting the day before surgery and including the day of surgery. To ensure that your eyes are clean for surgery, use artificial tears to flush the eyes out, and be sure to clean all makeup and debris from your eyelashes.

Step 4: Take Time off Work and Arrange for a Ride after Surgery

Though your downtime is minimal after any laser eye surgery, you typically need at least a day, if not two or three (depending on the type of procedure), in order to fully recover. This will require that you ask your doctor how many days they recommend that you take off of work, and then asking for those days off of work. And since you will not be able to drive immediately after surgery, it is important to arrange in advance for a family member or friend to drive you home from the eye center, as your vision will be blurry.

If you’re ready to schedule your LASIK, LASEK or PRK surgery, come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Will. He will help you determine which procedure suits your individual vision needs and answer your questions about surgery. To schedule your consultation, contact Will Vision & Laser Center today by calling (877) 542-EYES (3937).

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