Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I consult for photorefractive keratectomy?

You should consult an ophthalmologist (eye doctor)

2. Are both eyes treated on the same day?

Usually both eyes are treated on the same day for convenience. However, if so desired, the two eyes may be treated on separate days.

3. How do I know whether PRK or Lasik is better for me?

This decision is best left to your eye doctor who will decide based on your medical conditions, status and thickness of your cornea, and the degree of refractive error that you have. Your pain tolerance and the speed of vision recovery that you desire will also be factors in the decision making process.


4. Will I have perfect vision after the photorefractive keratectomy?

The refraction after the procedure is usually within one dioptre of what was planned. A person cannot have better than the best corrected pre-procedure vision. Most people have normal vision after the procedure, but this cannot be guaranteed, and many people have within one or two lines on the vision chart of the expected vision, especially when the initial refractive power of the eye is high. Retreatment can be done if there is insufficient correction the first time. A presbyopic person whose myopia has been corrected will still need to wear glasses for reading, unless a presbyopic type of treatment has been performed.

5. When can I return to work after photorefractive keratectomy?

You can return to work after about a week.