Advanced Surface Ablation
Advanced Surface Ablation or PRK
(Photorefractive Keratectomy)
In Advanced Surface Ablation, the surgeon removes the superficial layer (epithelium) covering the corneal tissue. The cool beam of the excimer laser removes a microscopic amount of corneal tissue changing the way the eye focuses light.
After the laser treatment, a bandage contact lens is placed in the eye. The eye heals over 4-5 days and the contact lens is then removed. Custom Surface Ablation can be a good option for people with mild to moderate nearsightedness, far-sightedness and/or astigmatism.
In a high percentage of cases, custom surface ablation provides excellent visual results with low complication rates.
Although the vision return and healing is slower in PRK compared to LASIK, there is no flap created duing PRK. Although rare, flap related complications can occur with LASIK . Your surgeon, Dr. Baldinger prefers PRK for laser vision correction enhancements (touch-ups), treatment of thin corneas, treatment of military, security and police officers and others who may sustain blunt trauma to the face and eyes. Intermediate and long-term vision outcomes are no different whether LASIK or PRK are performed.