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 Search for a CK Doctor near you who performs NearVision CK, as well as serves all your vision needs, such as a complete vision evaluation.
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Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
PRK can treat mild to moderate myopia or nearsightedness (up to -7.00 diopters with or without astigmatism) in people over 21. It can also be used to treat mild to moderate hyperopia or farsightedness (up to +6.00 diopters). However, as with most vision procedures, the level of improved vision after surgery may be temporary. Enhancement procedures, or retreatments, may be necessary.
The procedure
PRK is a two-step procedure. After the surgeon has numbed the eye using a local anesthetic, the epithelial is removed and a laser is used to remove a layer of the cornea. The laser shapes the cornea by vaporizing some tissue. Effects such as double vision, swelling of the cornea, foreign body sensation, and light sensitivity can occur in the first few days after surgery. These effects normally subside.
Risks and complications
Some people who have had PRK have experienced side effects and complications that have impaired their vision. Although these risks are relatively rare, they should be taken into consideration by anyone thinking about the PRK procedure. Some problems include:
- Loss of best corrected vision
- Undercorrection
- Overcorrection
- Pressure in the eye
- Hazy vision
- Glare
- Halos
- Night driving difficulty
Laser In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK)
LASIK is for people (over 21) with low to high myopia or nearsightedness (up to -14.00 diopters) with or without astigmatism. Although not as common, moderate hyperopia or farsightedness (up to +6.00) can also be treated with LASIK. The procedure is considered relatively safe and effective, though results from laser procedures may not be lasting. Consequently, enhancement procedures, or retreatments, may be necessary.
The procedure
LASIK is performed in 2 steps: cutting a corneal flap and applying the laser. After the surgeon has numbed the eye with a local anesthetic, a small, oscillating blade is used to cut a thin, hinged flap from the cornea. The flap is then folded over so that the laser can be used to shape the cornea beneath the flap. The laser shapes the cornea by vaporizing tissue. Once the laser step is complete, the flap is folded back into place to heal naturally without stitches. Healing occurs relatively quickly following the procedure. There is some mild discomfort for the first few days after LASIK is performed, but these effects usually subside.
Risks and complications
Some people who have had LASIK have experienced side effects and complications that have impaired their vision. Although these risks are relatively rare, they should be taken into consideration by anyone thinking about the LASIK procedure. Some problems include:
- Loss of best corrected vision
- Infections where the flap was cut
- Wrinkling of the flap that results in impaired vision
- Swelling of the eye
- Uncontrolled pressure in the eye
- Dry eyes
- Glare
- Halos
- Night driving difficulty
- Fluctuating vision post-surgery
- Laser Thermal Keratoplasty (LTK)
LTK can treat mild hyperopia or farsightedness (up to +2.50 diopters with or without astigmatism) in people over 21. However, due to the progressive nature of hyperopia (it usually gets worse with age), results may be temporary. Enhancement procedures, or retreatments, may be necessary.
The procedure
LTK is a process in which the surgeon numbs the eye with a topical anesthetic. The LTK procedure is performed by applying the laser directly on the eye in specific spots around the cornea. There may be mild discomfort for a few days after the procedure. It can take up to 14 days for vision to stabilize.
Risks and complications
Some people who have had LTK have experienced side effects and complications that have impaired their vision. Although these risks are relatively rare, they should be taken into consideration by anyone thinking about the LTK procedure. Some problems include:
- Undercorrection
- Overcorrection
- Development of astigmatism
- Fluctuating vision post-surgery
- Sensitivity to light
- Discomfort
- Foreign body sensation
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You have more choices for vision improvement than ever before. Learn which vision procedure may be right for you by taking our survey.
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Presbyopia affects reading vision for most people by the age of 40. NearVision CK is performed using the ViewPoint® CK System, the only FDA-approved technology for presbyopic patients who want to improve their near vision. Click here to learn more about presbyopia.
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