PRK Eye Surgery for Puyallup, University Place / Tacoma, Auburn, and Olympia, Washington

Custom LASIK Technology - Cascade Eye & Skin Centers Photorefractive keratotomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery that, like LASIK reshapes the cornea for the purpose of correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. PRK is offered by Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., at our Puyallup location to patients from University Place / Tacoma, Auburn, Olympia, Gig Harbor, and the rest of western Washington. It is sometimes an excellent alternative for refractive surgery patients who are not good candidates for LASIK. All PRK procedures at Cascade are performed using Intralase method and VISX CustomVue™ WaveScan technology for the best possible results.

The PRK Procedure and Recovery

Before undergoing PRK or any refractive surgery, patients receive complete eye exams. If PRK is determined to be the best option, your Cascade eye surgeon will create a three-dimensional map of the eye using the WAVESCAN guided CustomVue™ technique. By creating this detailed “fingerprint” of the eye, the surgeon is able to tailor the PRK procedure to each patient's eye anatomy and visual requirements.

Like LASIK, PRK involves using a precision excimer laser to reshape the cornea. Where the procedures differ is in their approach to exposing the inner layers of the cornea. The first surgical step in a LASIK procedure is to create a partial-thickness hinged flap of the cornea. With PRK there is no flap. Instead, the surgeon gently removes the outer corneal layer (epithelium). This layer will grow back quickly. At the time of PRK surgery, a soft bandage contact lens is placed to protect the eye for a few days while the epithelium heals.

Because PRK is performed using anesthetic eye drops, the procedure is comfortable. Visual recovery time for PRK takes longer (weeks) than for LASIK (overnight or within a few days). Some patients report mild pain or discomfort after PRK. LASIK is generally preferred by patients because of the speed of visual recovery. Some conditions of the cornea make PRK a better choice. New procedures called LASEK and Epi-LASIK combine features of both LASIK and PRK but are essentially modified forms of PRK.

View a video description of PRK (Photorefractive Keratotomy)

Am I a candidate for PRK?

There are a few basic requirements for PRK. These are similar for both LASIK and PRK patients:

Candidates must be at least 18 to 20 years old.
Vision must be stable for at least one year prior to treatment.
Candidates cannot have certain structural problems of the cornea (such as keratoconus) or certain medical conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis).
Candidates must be able to understand the risks and requirements of surgery in order to give informed consent.
Candidates cannot be pregnant or nursing at the time of surgery.

PRK is sometimes a refractive surgery option for patients with (borderline) thin corneas or with certain anatomic abnormalities of the corneal surface that make LASIK unadvisable. PRK is generally recommended over LASIK for those who engage in martial arts or other sports in which a LASIK flap could be injured.

Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C.

As with all refractive procedures, prospective patients must undergo a complete evaluation prior to PRK surgery. Residents of University Place / Tacoma, Auburn, Olympia, Puyallup, University Place, Gig Harbor and all of western Washington can contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., to take the first step toward clear vision.

Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., to learn about PRK and other vision correction surgery for patients in Olympia, Auburn, and University Place / Tacoma.