- How is the surgery done
- PRK surgery price
- How is the recovery in the postoperative
- Risks of PRK surgery
- Difference between PRK and Lasik surgery
PRK surgery is a type of refractive eye surgery that helps to correct the degree of vision problems such as myopia, farsightedness or astigmatism. It works by changing the shape of the cornea using a laser that corrects the curvature of the cornea, helping to improve vision.
This surgery has many similarities with Lasik surgery, however, some steps of the procedure are different in each technique, and although this surgery appeared before Lasik surgery and has a longer postoperative period, it is still used in many cases, especially in people with a thin cornea. For more details on Lasik surgery.
Despite being a safe surgery and bringing great results to the vision, it is still possible to have complications in the postoperative period, such as infection, corneal lesions or vision changes, for example, and to avoid it is necessary to take some precautions how to use the prescribed eye drops, sleep with special goggles and avoid swimming in public places for 1 month.
How is the surgery done
PRK surgery is done without general anesthesia and, therefore, the person is awake during the entire treatment. However, to reduce pain and discomfort, anesthetic drops are used to numb the eye for a few minutes before starting the procedure.
To perform the surgery, the doctor places a device to keep the eye open and then uses a substance that helps to remove the thinner and superficial layer of the cornea.
Then, a computer-controlled laser is used that sends light pulses to the eye, helping to correct the curvature of the cornea. At this point it is possible to feel a slight increase in pressure in the eye, however, it is a quick sensation because the procedure takes about 5 minutes.
Finally, contact lenses are applied over the eyes to temporarily replace the thin layer of cornea that has been removed from the eye. These lenses, in addition to protecting your eyes from dust, help prevent infections and speed recovery.
PRK surgery price
The price of PRK surgery can vary between 3 thousand and 5 thousand reais, depending on the location chosen for the surgery. However, in some indicated cases, such as in very high degrees, surgery can be performed by SUS, without any cost.
How is the recovery in the postoperative
After surgery it is very common to have discomfort in the eye, with a sensation of dust, burning and itching, for example. These symptoms are normal due to the inflammation of the eye and usually disappear after 2 to 4 days.
To protect the eye, at the end of the surgery, contact lenses are placed that work as a dressing and, therefore, it is recommended to take some precautions during the first days, such as not rubbing your eyes, resting your eyes and wearing sunglasses outdoors.
In addition, other important precautions include:
First 24 hours
- Avoid opening your eyes under the shower; Properly use the eye drops prescribed by the doctor; Do not watch television or use the computer if your eyes are dry; Do not consume alcoholic beverages.
General care
- Wear special goggles to sleep, for the time recommended by the ophthalmologist, to avoid scratching or injuring the eyes during sleep; Use the prescribed anti-inflammatory remedies, such as Ibuprofen, to relieve headaches and eye pain; 24 hours, you should wash your head during the bath with your eyes closed; you should only drive again after the doctor's recommendation; the makeup can be used again about 2 weeks after the surgery, and must be applied carefully; One should not swim for 1 month and avoid using jacuzzis for 2 weeks; one should never try to remove the lenses placed in the eyes during surgery. These lenses are removed by the doctor about 1 week after surgery.
Day-to-day activities can be resumed slowly after 1 week, however, those with the greatest impact, such as sports should be resumed only with the doctor's indication.
Risks of PRK surgery
PRK surgery is very safe and, therefore, complications are rare. However, one of the most common problems is the appearance of scars on the cornea, which worsens vision and creates a very blurred image. This problem, although rare, can be easily corrected with the use of corticosteroid drops.
In addition, as with any surgery, there is a risk of infection and, therefore, it is very important to always use antibiotic eye drops prescribed by the doctor and to take care of the hygiene of the eyes and hands during the recovery period. Check out what are the 7 essential cares to protect the vision.
Difference between PRK and Lasik surgery
The main difference between these two types of surgery is in the first steps of the technique, because, while in PRK surgery the thinner layer of the cornea is removed to allow the passage of the laser, in Lasik surgery, only a small opening (flap) is made in the superficial layer of the cornea.
Thus, although they have very similar results, PRK surgery is recommended for those who have a thinner cornea, because in this technique, it is not necessary to make a deeper cut. However, as a thin layer of the cornea is removed, recovery is slower to allow that layer to grow back naturally.
In addition, while the result of the surgery is faster to appear in Lasik, in PRK the expected result may take a little longer due to the greater chance of an exacerbated healing.
