PRK Refractive Surgery
PRK Refractive Surgery is a corrective treatment of refractive defects by means of excimer laser acting on the dioptric power of the cornea.
The corneal surface is remodelled according to a calculation algorithm that takes into account several starting parameters: corneal curvature (topography), corneal thickness (pachymetry), structural integrity (endothelioscopy), pupil diameter (pupillometry) and finally the extent of the refractive defect (automated refractometry).Once the calculation plan has been established, the laser proceeds to ablate the corneal tissue.
This is a 'subtractive' technique, that is, the greater the refractive defect, the more corneal tissue is removed, limited by the corneal thickness: no more than one third of the total corneal thickness can be sacrificed.
In order to carry out the laser ablation treatment, the corneal epithelium is removed (mechanically with a brush or with an alcoholic solution) and then regrows, protected by a corneal lens.
The regrowth of the epithelium is the most annoying and painful part of the treatment, with a discomfort for the patient of about 24 hours. The use of topical anti-inflammatories, a mydriatic and tear substitutes help to overcome this phase.
Pre- and Postoperative Examinations for PRK Refractive Surgery
The pre-treatment examinations are those necessary for a corneal morphometric evaluation (topography, pachymetry, endothelioscopy), for the study of corneal dynamics (pupillometry) and for a correct calculation of the refractive defect (visual acuity examination in cycloplegia). Finally, the same examinations are carried out to monitor the outcome of the treatment.
Recovery Time for PRK Refractive Surgery
Recovery times are variable according to the type and extent of the visual defect; an average 6-7 days' rest after treatment can be requested.
Possible pathologies treated
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