Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a type of surgery for the treatment of vision problems.  It is a laser-based beneficial eye surgical procedure. This form of surgery was introduced after the successful results of Lasik surgery. There is a difference between Lasik and PRK surgery even though both surgeries will generate the same results. It is commonly administered to patients having a refractive defect in the eyes. Refractive condition is whereby the eye fails to light in the right manner. This laser surgery aims to rectify the shape of the cornea. Once the cornea is reshaped, it will be much easier for the light rays to focus on the retina. The surgery can also help in the treatment of myopia and hyperopia. Myopia is a condition whereby an individual will only see the objects which are near. Hyperopia is a health condition where an individual will only see distant objects. PRK surgery can also be helpful for patients suffering from astigmatism.

The surgery helps get rid of glasses or contacts. There are various clinics where this surgery is conducted. You can easily book an appointment with the professionals online. In this article we are going to talk about how the surgery is conducted, the mistake to avoid after PRK surgery, and also prk surgery recovery period. Hereby is an overview of how PRK surgery is administered.

1. Placing drops in the eyes. This is the initial step when administering the PRK surgery. This is done to numb the eyes to prevent the client from feeling the sensation of the surgery. Anesthetic drops are used during this procedure. Some medication can also be given to the patient to relieve the pain. The drops will not interfere with one’s vision. You need to notify the professional in case you feel any form of sensation once the eye drops have been put in. This is because the clients may be more sensitive to the drops than others who will need extra drops.
2. Prevent blinking. This is the second when administering the surgery. Once the eyes are numbed, a device will be used to hold the eyelids. This will help prevent any movements that may disrupt the professional while conducting the surgery.
3. Remove the surface corneal cells. Once stability has been achieved, it becomes easier to remove the surface corneal cells. The corneal cells are located in the topmost part of the eye. Removal of the surface corneal cells helps provide the laser with perfect space to conduct the surgery.
4. Excimer laser. The excimer laser is used in the reshaping of the cornea. The tool can easily reach the deeper points of the cornea. The tool is a computer driven and the specialist will be in a good position to monitor the progress from the screen. The patient will not feel the laser on the eyes but there is a possibility that they may see the light of the laser. The entire process can take approximately 15 minutes.
5. Contact lens. Once the laser procedure is done, a bandage will be placed to protect the cornea surface as it heals. The cornea surface is more vulnerable now and it requires protection. The contact lens can be worn for about 4 to 5 days to help the eyes recover. This is because the immediate effects of the laser can turn out to be very harmful. The surgeon will remove the contact lens during the follow-up appointments.

Hereby are some of the mistakes to avoid after the PRK surgery

1. Do not wear sunglasses immediately. You need to protect your eyes from UV rays until you fully recover. When the cornea is exposed to sunlight, the patient is likely to experience more vision problems. If you have to wear sunglasses then, you have to stay indoors to avoid direct contact with the sun. The sunglasses should have Protection or antiglare coating. If you have to wear glasses, the ophthalmologist is in a better position to recommend the ideal ones you should use. They will also instruct you on the duration you will be using the glasses.
2. Do rub your eyes. The patient can experience some discomfort after the PRK surgery. The discomfort can make one rub the eyes. This is not advisable as rubbing or dabbing of the eyes can cause some eye infections.
3. Avoid wearing eye makeup. It is always advisable to avoid wearing eye makeup for some time after the surgery. If the makeup gets into the eye, it can cause some irritations. You can use the makeup once the ophthalmologist has approved that you have fully recovered. You should also be keen when washing your eyes to prevent the cleansers from getting into your eyes. Avoid using serums and other skin care products around the eye area until you have recovered.
4. Do not use electronic gadgets immediately. Electronic devices can be television, tablets, and even computers. The light in these devices can strain one’s eyes. You can also experience some sort of eye dryness. This will ensure a smoother healing process.

Hereby is an overview of the PRK surgery recovery duration.

If you want the surgery recovery duration to be quick, then you have to avoid the above-mentioned mistakes and other stressful activities. If you are employed, you can request a leave for about 3 days based on the professional’s recommendation. The patient can experience some pain for about 3 to 4 days after the PRK surgery. You need to use the medication as prescribed by the doctor and avoid taking other medication which you have not been prescribed to take. The recovery process will be slow and gradual but when days go by, you may notice that your vision is getting to its optimum level. The recovery duration in most instances takes approximately one year for one to fully recover.

The surgery is only administered to individuals who have attained the age of 18 years and above. The size of the eye Pupil should be 6 mm in a dark room for the surgery to be conducted. These are some of the factors one should consider before undergoing the surgery.

Wrapping up

To sum up, PRK surgery is a detailed operation. The above article has illustrated the entire procedure and the precautions one should take after the surgery. The above guideline will enable one to make an appointment with the ideal doctor to get their cornea reshapes. The surgery helps the client gain good vision. The patient needs to take the necessary precautions to prevent any eye infections and contaminants from getting into the eye.