PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) allows patients to experience excellent vision without prescription glasses and contact lenses.
Assessing PRK candidacy is similar to determining if someone is a good candidate for LASIK. We take time to consider many factors.
Do you qualify for PRK with Dr. Andrew E. Holzman?
Much like LASIK, PRK involves the use of an excimer laser to reshape the cornea. When you meet with Dr. Holzman at one of our locations in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC for a free consultation, he will first consider these general criteria for PRK surgery:
PRK surgery treats nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism. Only patients suffering from refractive errors are eligible for the procedure.
Patients must have a stable glasses or contact lens prescription for at least one year. This ensures PRK surgery isn’t performed too soon and will be as effective as possible.
Laser eye surgery patients must be at least 18 years old. At that age, their eyes will have stopped maturing, allowing for better, longer-lasting results.
PRK patients should have healthy eyes and should not have experienced any ocular injuries or eye infections in the last year.
If you are not a LASIK candidate, but you wish to reduce your need for glasses, PRK surgery may be right for you.
Many PRK patients undergo the procedure because they are poor candidates for LASIK. In addition to the general criteria above, Dr. Holzman will consider these factors.
PRK is ideal for people with thin corneas. Rather than creating a corneal flap as in LASIK, PRK involves the removal of the epithelial layer of the cornea. The epithelium will naturally heal and reform on its own during recovery.
Patients who participate in contact sports or have jobs that may subject them to eye injuries may not be good candidates for LASIK due to the possibility of flap complications. These patients may be better candidates for PRK.
Women who are currently pregnant or nursing will need to wait to undergo PRK surgery. We’ll offer insight into timing during the consultation process.
Dry eye and thin corneas can jeopardize LASIK results and overall eye health. We use the Oculus PENTACAM to measure corneal thickness and shape. We will also discuss your medical history and eye conditions directly with you, combining technology with human connection.
Keratoconus causes the cornea to become progressively thinner, altering eye shape. This and other corneal abnormalities can possibly prevent someone from undergoing PRK.
Many vision and medical conditions prevent people from undergoing PRK, including glaucoma, diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and collagen vascular disease.
Drugs such as Imitrex®, Accutane®, Cordarone®, and steroids interfere with the healing process. PRK should only be performed after discontinued medication use.
Whether you’re interested in PRK or LASIK, Dr. Holzman and his team put your needs first. When you visit one of our locations in Washington, DC, Virginia, or Maryland for a free consultation, here’s what you can expect:
Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS, is one of the most well-respected ophthalmologists in the greater Washington, DC, area. He is regularly sought out by professional athletes, media personalities, and other doctors for laser eye surgery.
Dr. Jonathan Solomon has been acknowledged by GQ Magazine in their “Men of the Year” issue, recognized nationally as one of the “Top Doctors in America” by his peers, and listed as one of Baltimore-Washington’s Super Doctors for 2013.
To schedule a consultation at one of our locations, please fill out our online form or give us a call at (855) 99-LASIK.
