PRK at Horizon Laser Vision Center

How Does PRK Work?

PRK involves the reshaping of your cornea. Your ophthalmologist removes the top layer of your cornea, the epithelium instead of creating a corneal flap, or lenticule. The PRK process is fast, lasting approximately 10 minutes. 

PRK begins with the administration of numbing eye drops and use of an eyelid holder to keep your eye open for the procedure. Your ophthalmologist then uses an alcohol solution and a blunt surgical instrument to remove the epithelium. With this layer removed, your ophthalmologist now has access to the underlying corneal tissue.

Next, your ophthalmologist uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, removing precise amounts of tissue. These lasers are computer-controlled devices that use pulses of cool, ultraviolet light.

After reshaping the cornea, your ophthalmologist will place a clear bandage contact lens over your cornea to assist during the healing process, protecting your eye. Your epithelial cells will grow back over the following 5–7 days, and your doctor will then remove the bandage contact lens.