Light-touch PRK (Light-touch EpiLASIK) Surgery
What is Light-touch PRK Surgery?
Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA) is a term to describe a family of laser eye surgery modalities that includes, PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis), and TransPRK or No-touch EpiLASIK. ASA may be used to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. ASA is the precursor of LASIK and is still widely performed and accepted.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Video
The surgery involves the using an Excimer laser to reshape the cornea. ASA differs from LASIK in that your eye surgeon does not make a partial-thickness flap, but instead, removes the outermost layer of the cornea(the epithelium), before using the Excimer laser to correct the patient’s refractive error. At Aberdeen Eye Surgery, Light-touch PRK where the epithelium is removed using a sponge after softening the corneal outer lining with alcohol, is one of our preferred methods of ASA.
How does Light-touch PRK correct myopia (short-sightedness)?
The excimer laser is used to reduce the curvature or power of the cornea so that light rays will bend less, and the focal point is then shifted from in front of the retina onto the retina surface instead. This will allow images from a distance to be sharp.
How does Light-touch PRK correct hyperopia (long-sightedness)?
The excimer laser is used to increase the curvature or power of the cornea so that light rays are bent more, and the focal point is then shifted from behind the retina onto the retina surface instead. This will allow images of near objects to be seen clearly.
How does Light-touch PRK correct astigmatism?
The excimer laser is used to even out the curvature of the cornea, by smoothening the contour to be more round, like changing the shape of a rugby ball to that of a soccer ball.
How is Light-touch PRK performed?
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Step 1
Our doctor will first gently remove your cornea epithelium with a sponge after application of alcohol.
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Step 2
Excimer laser spots will then be directly applied onto the substance of your cornea to change the shape and curvature of your cornea surface.
Post-treatment Step
A special bandage contact lens is then placed on your eye for your comfort and to aid epithelial regrowth and reduce post-op discomfort.
Who should have Light-touch PRK?
Light-touch PRK is for people with refractive errors but who have corneas that may not be suitable for LASIK. It is also for people whose occupations or sports put them at risk of eye injury. The long-term visual outcome of Light-touch PRK is comparable to LASIK but the recovery period is longer.
You will need to go through a comprehensive pre-procedure assessment, where our team of professionals and your eye surgeon will check your eyes thoroughly in order to determine your suitability for PRK Surgery. Here are some points to determine your suitability:
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Has your vision been stable long enough to have Light-touch PRK Surgery?
If your spectacle error is still fluctuating, it would be advisable for you to wait till it is stable.
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What is your corneal shape and corneal thickness?
Patients with suspicious or obvious signs of Keratoconus (abnormally thin, cone-shaped cornea) are not suitable for laser refractive surgery. This is a condition where the thinning and weakening of the cornea results in irregular astigmatism and poor vision. In these cases, implantable collamer lens (ICL) would be a better/safer option.
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Are you currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can alter the properties of the corneal and can cause fluctuations in vision in pregnant or breastfeeding women. For best results Light-touch PRK and other forms of vision correction surgery should be undertaken when one is neither pregnant nor breastfeeding.
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Do you have dry eyes?
If you have an existing dry eye disease, it is advisable to have it treated first as dryness can affect post-op healing.