1
Preparation
A diluted alcoholic solution is applied to the cornea to loosen the top layer of the cornea, the epithelium.
PRK, LASEK & Co.
The surface treatments are versatile and the cut-free laser option
PRK, LASEK, Epi-LASIK and transPRK - many names for one procedure. In all of these procedures, the surface of the cornea is changed. The way in which this is done determines the name of the procedure. Ultimately, however, they are all very similar and an excellent choice if you want laser treatment without an incision.
Lasering without cutting
PRK can be performed entirely without incisions.
2
Removal of the epithelium
The epithelium is then manually removed or pushed aside with a surgical instrument.
3
Modelling the cornea
An excimer laser shapes the corneal tissue point by point. In this way, the visual defect is corrected in just a few seconds.
4
Eye protection
Finally, a protective lens is placed on the eye until the epithelium has regressed within a few days.
Lasering without cutting
PRK can be performed entirely without incisions.
1
Preparation
A diluted alcoholic solution is applied to the cornea to loosen the top layer of the cornea, the epithelium.
2
Removal of the epithelium
The epithelium is then manually removed or pushed aside with a surgical instrument.
3
Modelling the cornea
An excimer laser shapes the corneal tissue point by point. In this way, the visual defect is corrected in just a few seconds.
4
Eye protection
Finally, a protective lens is placed on the eye until the epithelium has regressed within a few days.
A laser you can rely on
The most precise excimer laser from Zeiss
The MEL90 is the most precise excimer laser from Zeiss. The laser can be used to treat even complex vision defects with micrometer precision. It is therefore also used for follow-up treatments, treatments for corneal diseases or the correction of presbyopia.
The many names of the PRK
The way in which the top layer, epithelium, is removed determines the name
PRK
The epithelium is loosened using alcohol and then completely removed. It grows back during healing.
LASEK
The epithelium is loosened with an alcohol solution, pushed to the side and put back after lasering.
Epi-LASIK
A mechanical device pushes the epithelium aside before the laser treatment begins.
transPRK
The epithelium is lasered away and then the deeper corneal layers are modeled with a laser.
PRK
The epithelium is loosened using alcohol and then completely removed. It grows back during healing.
LASEK
The epithelium is loosened with an alcohol solution, pushed to the side and put back after lasering.
Epi-LASIK
A mechanical device pushes the epithelium aside before the laser treatment begins.
transPRK
The epithelium is lasered away and then the deeper corneal layers are modeled with a laser.
The special areas of application of PRK
Because PRK does not require an incision, it can be used on even more people.
Patients with thin corneas who are not suitable for LASIK.
People with certain conditions for whom a corneal flap could be problematic (e.g. martial artists)
People with irregular corneas or certain corneal diseases
When many don't know what to do anymore...
The expert for your cornea: Professor Shajari
Many patients have special situations where laser treatment may be difficult. Professor Shajari is the expert at your side for precisely these situations. Due to his specialization in these particularly complex situations, he can find the best solution for you.
Let him advise you personally about PRK:
- Professorship and habilitation at the University of Frankfurt
- Several years of experience as senior physician at the University Hospital of Munich and Frankfurt with a leading position
- Multiple awards as Germany’s top physician
- Author of numerous books and studies on laser and lens surgery
- Committee member of some of the largest professional societies in ophthalmology
- and passionate perfume collector ;)
Happy patients after laser treatment
Teresa and Duilio report on their experience with the laser
Is PRK the optimal procedure for your eyes?
Find out.
PRK is the procedure of choice in many situations and may be the best option for you. Let's find out together in an initial examination:
Frequently Asked Questions
We have summarized the answers to the most frequently asked questions here for you. If you haven't found what you are looking for, you can ask Jana. Just scroll down...
1. What is PRK?
PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is a laser vision correction technique used to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This procedure involves removing the top layer of the cornea (epithelium) and shaping the area underneath with an excimer laser to improve visual acuity.
2. Who is a suitable candidate for PRK?
Suitable candidates for PRK are usually:
- Over 18 years old
-- With stable visual acuity for at least one year
- People with thin corneas who are not suitable for LASIK
- Without serious eye diseases such as keratoconus or glaucoma
A comprehensive preliminary examination will determine whether you are suitable for PRK.
3. How does the PRK procedure work?
The PRK procedure is performed in several steps:
- **Preparation:** Before the procedure, you will be given anaesthetic eye drops to numb the eye.
- **Removal of the epithelium:** The top layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, either mechanically or with a special alcohol.
- **Laser treatment:** An excimer laser reshapes the cornea to correct the refractive error.
- **Protective lens:** A soft contact lens is placed over the eye as protection until the epithelium grows back.
The entire procedure usually takes about 10-15 minutes per eye.
4. Is the PRK procedure painful?
During the PRK procedure, you will not feel any pain thanks to the numbing eye drops. However, you may experience moderate pain or discomfort after the procedure while the cornea heals. This discomfort usually lasts for a few days and can be relieved with painkillers and eye drops.
5. How long does recovery take after PRK surgery?
Recovery after PRK is longer than with other laser vision corrections such as LASIK:
- **First days:** The discomfort and the foreign body sensation in the eye subside after about 3-5 days, as soon as the epithelium has grown back.
- **First days:** The discomfort and the foreign body sensation in the eye subside after about 3-5 days, as soon as the epithelium has grown back.
- **First week:** The protective contact lens is usually removed after about one week.
- **First months:** Visual acuity improves gradually over several weeks to months, and it may take up to three months for vision to fully stabilize.
6. What are the advantages of PRK?
PRK offers several advantages:
- **Suitable for thin corneas:** A good option for patients who are not suitable for LASIK.
- **No flap complications:** Since no corneal flap is created, there are no risks associated with flap complications.
- **Permanent results:** Vision correction is permanent and does not require regular adjustments.
Still questions?
Please feel free to contact us. We are always here for you.
Emergency
In case of an emergency, dial the 24/7 emergency number from your medical records. We are always there for you.