Introduction

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery is a popular and effective method for correcting vision-related issues. However, many misconceptions about this surgical technique persist, which can cause potential patients to approach it with unwarranted fear and uncertainty.

This blog article aims to systematically dismantle the ten most prevalent myths surrounding PRK eye surgery. By providing accurate and reliable information, we hope to empower readers to make an informed decision when considering this eye corrective procedure.

We will address the misconceptions surrounding the pain associated with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), the recovery time, safety concerns, the scope of its effectiveness, the differences between photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASIK eye surgery, its success rate, its permanency, its cost, and the likelihood of long-term side effects.

By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of what photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery entails. will be better equipped to decide whether it is viable for you.

Top 10 Myths about PRK Eye Surgery

Myth 1: PRK is painful

One of the most common misconceptions about photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) laser eye surgery is that it is painful. However, this is far from the truth. In reality, PRK is not a painful procedure at all.

Dr. Conlon will use numbing eye drops during the surgery to ensure you don’t feel any eye pain afterwards. You may feel a slight pressure on your eye during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain.

After the surgery, you may experience discomfort or irritation for a few days. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your ophthalmologist will also provide you with eye drops to help alleviate any discomfort or dryness.

It’s important to note that while discomfort and irritation are common after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery, they usually subside within a few days. In some cases, it may take up to a week for the discomfort to go away completely. However, you should contact our office immediately if you experience severe or persistent pain.

In summary, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is not a painful procedure, and any discomfort or irritation after the surgery is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medications and eye drops. It’s important to discuss any concerns with myself or a Conlon Eye Institute refractive surgery team member and follow their post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.

Myth 2: PRK has a long recovery time

Another common misconception about photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery is that it has a long recovery time. While it is true that PRK has a longer recovery time compared to LASIK, it is not an overly lengthy healing process either.

After PRK surgery, it is recommended by an eye doctor that you take a few days off from work or school to rest and allow your eyes to heal. You may experience discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurry vision during this time. However, these symptoms usually subside within a few days.

Most people can return to work or school within a week after the surgery. However, you should avoid strenuous activities and contact sports for several weeks after the surgery to allow your eyes to heal fully.

It’s important to note that while you may feel back to normal within a week, it may take several weeks for your vision to stabilize fully. During this time, you may experience fluctuations in your vision, and your ophthalmologist may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.

In summary, while photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) has a longer recovery time than LASIK, it is not a lengthy healing process. Most people can return to work or school within a week after the surgery, but your vision may take several weeks to stabilize fully. Following post-operative instructions carefully is important to ensure a successful recovery.

Myth 3: PRK is not safe

Some people may believe that photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery is not a safe procedure. However, PRK vision surgery is a safe and Health Canada-approved procedure for vision correction.

Like any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. However, these risks are rare and usually minor. Complications such as infection, scarring, or vision changes are rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases.

It’s important to note that the PRK procedure has been performed for over 30 years, and the technology and techniques used have improved significantly during this time. The procedure is considered safe and effective for correcting vision problems, and millions of people have undergone PRK surgery with positive results and improved vision throughout.

It’s essential to discuss any concerns you may have about photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery with a qualified ophthalmologist. They can provide accurate information about the procedure and help you determine the right choice.

In summary, PRK eye surgery is a safe procedure for correcting refractive errors. While there are some risks involved, they are rare and usually minor. It’s important to discuss any concerns with a qualified ophthalmologist to ensure that you are making an informed decision about your vision correction options.

Myth 4: PRK is only for people with mild vision problems

Myth 4: PRK is only for people with mild vision problems

Some may think PRK eye surgery is only suitable for those with mild vision problems. However, PRK eye surgeons can correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and obviate the need for contact lenses, or glasses.

During a consultation at the Conlon Eye Institute, we will evaluate your eyes to determine if PRK is the right procedure. We will assess factors such as the thickness of your cornea, the health of your corneal tissue, the shape of your eyes, and the severity of your vision problems.

If we determine that PRK is the right procedure, they will customize the surgery to your needs. This ensures that you receive the most effective treatment for your refractive error.

It’s important to note that while PRK can correct a wide range of refractive errors, it may not be suitable for everyone. Your ophthalmologist will discuss your vision correction options and help you determine if PRK is the right choice.

In summary, PRK eye surgery is not only for people with mild vision problems. It can correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Discussing your options with the refractive surgery team at the Conlon Eye Institute is essential to determine if PRK refractive surgery is right for you.

Myth 5: PRK and LASIK are the same

Another common misconception about photorefractive keratectomy (PRK ) laser eye surgery is that it is the same as LASIK eye surgery. While both PRK and LASIK are laser eye surgeries, they are different procedures.

PRK involves the eye surgeon removing the cornea’s outer layer before reshaping it with a laser. This allows the eye doctor the ophthalmologist to correct vision problems by reshaping the cornea’s curvature. The outer layer of the cornea will naturally regenerate after a few days.

On the other hand, LASIK creates a flap in the cornea before reshaping it with a laser. The flap is then replaced after the laser surgery itself is complete. LASIK is generally considered a faster procedure with a shorter recovery time than photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

The ophthalmologist will determine which procedure is best for you based on your eye health and personal preferences. Factors such as the thickness of your cornea, the shape of your eyes, and the severity of your vision problems will be taken into consideration.

In summary, PRK and LASIK are not the same procedures. While they both involve reshaping the cornea with a laser, they differ in how the cornea is accessed during the surgery. The ophthalmologist will determine which procedure is best for you based on your eye health and personal preferences.

Myth 6: PRK doesn’t have a high success rate

Some people may be concerned that PRK eye surgery does not have a high success rate. However, the truth is that PRK has a success rate of over 95%. “Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) and Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK).” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 15 Oct. 2021, www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/photorefractive-keratectomy-prk-vs-lasik.

PRK has been performed for over 30 years and refined to improve its effectiveness and safety. The procedure is considered safe and effective for correcting vision problems, and most people experience significant improvements in their vision after the surgery.

The PRK procedure’s success largely depends on the individual’s eye health and the severity of their vision problems. However, in most cases, people who undergo photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery experience significant improvements in their vision and can reduce their reliance on glasses or contact lenses.

It’s important to note that while PRK has a high success rate, it may not be a permanent solution for everyone. Some people may experience changes in their vision over time due to natural aging and may need additional vision correction procedures.

In summary, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery has a high success rate of over 95%, and most people experience significant improvements in their vision after the surgery. Discussing your options with a qualified ophthalmologist and having realistic expectations about the surgery results is important.

Myth 7: PRK is not a permanent solution

There is a misconception that PRK eye refractive surgery is not a permanent solution for vision correction. However, the truth is that PRK refractive surgery is a permanent solution for vision correction.

During PRK surgery, the ophthalmologist reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The effects of the PRK procedure are long-lasting, and most people experience significant improvements in their vision the first few weeks after the surgery.

While some people may experience changes in their vision over time due to natural aging, the effects of PRK are generally considered permanent. It’s important to note that aging can affect anyone’s eyesight, regardless of whether they have undergone PRK surgery.

It’s essential to follow your ophthalmologist or doctor’s instructions and post-operative instructions carefully to ensure you have the best chance of maintaining the long-lasting effects of PRK. This may include wearing protective eyewear, avoiding certain activities, and attending follow-up appointments.

In summary, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery is a permanent solution for vision correction. While some people may experience changes in their vision over time due to natural aging, the effects of PRK are long-lasting. It’s important to discuss your options with a qualified ophthalmologist and follow their post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome.

Myth 8: PRK is expensive

One of the common myths about photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery is that it is expensive. While PRK can be more expensive than glasses or contacts, it is important to consider the long-term costs and benefits.

photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a one-time cost that can save money in the long run by reducing the need for ongoing vision correction expenses, such as buying new glasses or contacts. Additionally, many insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of the surgery, making it more affordable for some people.

Generally, the cost of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in Canada ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per eye. This cost typically includes pre-operative evaluations, surgery, post-operative checkups, and any necessary medications or eye drops.

Discussing the cost of PRK with your ophthalmologist and your insurance provider is important. They can provide you with information about the cost of the procedure and any insurance coverage that may be available.

In summary, while PRK can be more expensive than glasses or contacts, it is a one-time cost that can save money in the long run by reducing the need for ongoing vision correction expenses. Additionally, many insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of the surgery. It’s important to discuss the cost of PRK with your ophthalmologist and insurance provider to determine if it is a viable option for you.

Myth 9: PRK can cause long-term side effects

Some people may be concerned that photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery can only cause long-term side effects and worse vision. However, the truth is that long-term side effects are rare and usually minor.

While some people may experience temporary side effects after the surgery, such as dry eyes, sensitivity to light, or glare, these typically go away within a few weeks. In rare cases, some people may experience persistent side effects, such as decreased night vision or difficulty with reading. Still, these are usually mild and can be managed with additional vision correction options.

It’s important to carefully follow your ophthalmologist’s post-operative instructions to minimize the risk of side effects. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding certain activities, and attending follow-up appointments.

If you experience any persistent or severe side effects after PRK surgery, it’s important to contact your ophthalmologist immediately. They can provide information about additional treatment options and help you manage any complications.

In summary, while some people may experience temporary side effects after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery, long-term side effects are rare and usually minor. It’s important to follow your ophthalmologist’s post-operative instructions carefully to minimize the risk of side effects and to contact them if you experience any persistent or severe complications.

Myth 10: PRK is not better than glasses or contacts

Another common misconception about PRK eye surgery is that it is not better than glasses or contacts for correcting vision problems. However, the truth is that PRK can provide a permanent solution to blurred vision that eliminates the need for these corrective measures.

While glasses and contact lenses are effective ways to correct vision problems, they can be inconvenient and limiting for some people. photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery can improve your quality of life by allowing you to participate in activities without the hindrance of glasses or contacts.

After PRK surgery, many people experience significant improvements in their vision, allowing them to see clearly without the need for corrective measures. This can provide a sense of freedom and independence that is impossible with glasses or contacts.

Discussing your vision correction options with a qualified ophthalmologist is important to determine if photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is the right choice. They can provide you with information about the benefits and risks of the procedure and help you make an informed decision about your best vision and correction options for various refractive errors.

In summary, while glasses and contacts are effective ways to correct vision problems, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) can provide a permanent solution that eliminates the need for these corrective measures. Additionally, PRK can improve your quality of life by allowing you to participate in activities without the hindrance of glasses or contacts. Discussing your options with a qualified ophthalmologist is important to determine if photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is the right choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery is a safe and effective procedure for correcting a wide range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. The procedure has a high success rate of over 95%, and while there are some risks involved, they are rare and usually minor.

By debunking the common myths surrounding PRK, we hope to provide accurate information that can help you make an informed decision about your vision correction options. If you are considering PRK, it’s important to discuss any concerns with a qualified ophthalmologist who can provide you with information about the benefits and risks of the procedure and help you determine if it’s the right choice.

Remember that PRK is not a painful procedure, has a longer recovery time compared to LASIK, is a safe and FDA-approved procedure, can correct a wide range of vision problems, is different from LASIK, has a high success rate, is a permanent solution, can be more expensive than glasses or contacts but can save money in the long run, and has rare and usually minor side effects.

If you have any questions about PRK or other vision correction procedures, please get in touch with the Conlon Eye Institute for more information.