How is PRK performed?
In this surgery, which is performed on an outpatient basis, the patient’s eye is first locally numbed using special drops; Then the surgeon removes a very thin layer of the cornea (a few tens of microns) and uses an excimer laser to create changes in the curvature of the cornea in order to reduce the amount of refractive error of the eye (based on diagnostic findings).

After the end of the operation, the ophthalmologist uses a contact lens to cover the surface of the cornea; This lens remains on the eye until the surface layer of the cornea is repaired.

PRK pre-operative preparations
A person who is going to undergo PRK surgery to correct the refractive errors of his eyes must observe the following:

– Washing the eyelids and eyelashes the night before the operation
– Not wearing make-up 24 hours before the operation
– Not using contact lenses a week before the operation
– Wearing light clothes on the day of surgery
– Not using perfume and cologne on the day of surgery
– Using sedative pills in case of anxiety

Patient preparation during prk operation
PRK surgery is not painful and the patient’s cooperation plays a very important role in achieving the right result; So keep calm during the surgery and pay attention to the doctor’s instructions.
Look for the flashing red or green light during the operation.
The duration of laser exposure to the cornea is less than a minute and usually around 10 seconds; Avoid moving your eyes and head during the time you hear the laser sound.
Don’t worry about blinking during the procedure, your eyelids are opened from each other by a device; It is better to avoid pressing the eyelids and frowning to prevent pain.
To prevent infection, before, during and after the operation, do not touch your hands to the operation site.

Essential care after PRK surgery
– You will be visited by a doctor one day after the operation; In this visit, the doctor gives medication orders according to the findings of the examination.
– If the feeling of discomfort is not too much, you can resume light daily activities by following the precautionary recommendations determined by the doctor.
– Avoid driving for a week.
– Go for re-examination and receive new instructions on the days determined by the doctor. If the corneal coating is completely restored, the ophthalmologist will remove the contact lens from your eye.
– After removing the contact lens, it is allowed to wash the face and take a bath.
– Swimming is prohibited for at least 3 weeks.
– It is recommended not to make up the eyes until one week after the operation.
– One week after the surgery, it is safe to do light exercises.