PRK or LASEK eye surgery

06 Jul 2012

Laser Eye Surgery is an umbrella term, and encompasses different types of procedures tailored to the needs of each patient.

LASIK surgery is the most widely used these days, but may not suit everyone. For patients who have very thin corneas, PRK or Photorefractive Keratectomy, or Surface Treatment (PRK/EK) is an excellent alternative. This treatment is also known as LASEK.
 
This surgery is carried out on the inner tissue of the cornea, rather than on the outside bit as happens in LASIK. They sound similar so it can be a little confusing!
 
PRK was very common before LASIK was developed, but nowadays is often chosen by surgeons for patients with thin corneas. It’s more gradual in terms of showing improvement but equally effective.
 
PRK was actually invented back in the 1980s, and is now done with an Eximer laser, using cool an ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove (or ‘ablate’) tiny little bits of tissue from the cornea.
 
This reshaping helps the cornea focus light into the eye and onto the retina, providing clearer vision. In the case of a nearsighted patient, the aim is to flatten out the part of the cornea that is too steep; for far-sighted patients a steeper cornea is the goal. Smoothing out the cornea will help patients with astigmatism.
 
At Optilase, you’ll have a thorough consultation and examination to determine exactly what kind of vision correction you need and how much laser ablation is required. An instrument measures the curvature of the front of your eye, creating a kind of ‘eye map’. Any irregularities of your cornea can then be addressed properly.
 
You’ll be awake during the whole procedure and your eyes will be anesthetized with special drops. To help keep your eyes open, a retainer is placed under your lids, while the surgeon adjusts the laser for your prescription and then painlessly removes the tissue with pulses of laser on your cornea.
 
Most people have one eye done first; then go back after a short recovery to have the second one done.

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Patient Reviews

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Monica mc mahon
April 15, 2024

From beginning to End of my procedure with Optilase, I was treated personally and professionally. The surgery, true aftercare was smooth and efficient and I can only say it was the perfect choice for us . I highly recommend Optilase.

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Roxanne Bartolome
April 15, 2024

I recently had the PRK procedure a month ago. It's been life changing to be able to see clearly after wearing glasses for 20 years. My vision was not 20/20 after surgery since I had PRK and I was first scared that it won't get better. But give it time and patience and it will improve. Optilase was superb on aftercare and the team during the surgery really took care of me. I'm so happy ❤️ Thank you Optilase!

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Lin Walsh
April 12, 2024

Omg i thought about having lens replacement for 2 years , i just wish i did it then , I’m absolutely delighted with my eyes now , i am only 3 weeks over it and cant believe how wonderful it is to see everything so clear , i nearly want to tell everyone who wears glasses to do this , if i had known sooner how painless this op is i would have booked in immediately , Everyone in my Clinic were fantastic so friendly , just do it you certainly wont regret it , also the aftercare is amazing .

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Susan Sutton
April 8, 2024

Staff are all very nice and procedure was painless and quick

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David Hill
April 8, 2024

Delighted with my experience at Optilase. Professional staff who looked after me from start to finish. Procedure itself was very quick. A big thanks to the whole team.

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Aoife Mckenna
April 8, 2024

Absolutely delighted with the results of my surgery. I wish I done it years ago

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Denise Carroll
April 8, 2024

Does what it say, corrects your vision! Very fast and professional service.

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jessica daiana
April 8, 2024

Great price for excellent service. All staff was very professional and welcoming, great results and good aftercare

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gary Malone
April 6, 2024

Best thing I ever done ,👍

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Catriona Brady
April 1, 2024

Fantastic experience throughout, from consultation to aftercare. Professional, welcoming and calming staff. Appointments and procedure were easy and relaxed and the overall result was excellent. Aftercare was also great, nothing was ever a hassle.

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Rebecca Walsh
March 29, 2024

Worth the money. Staff guide you step by step to relax you through the surgery. Recommend

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Mark O'Keeffe
March 28, 2024

I found the whole process very professional and very well organised. They also assisted in the documentation process very easy. They were also very good to help in arranging the reference process too. If I was make one small comment is they need to add a prescription painkiller to the process. Although the after experience was exactly what was expected it could been managed better with a stronger pain relief. Other than that I have recommended 3 people to get the procedure from Optilase, all of which had a great experience. I would highly recommend Optilase for vision correction and the long term benefits have changed my life.

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