If you’ve started to notice problems with your vision, a procedure known as photorefractive keratectomy (or “PRK” for short) might very well be able to help restore your visual acuity to its fullest potential. This procedure is an alternative to laser surgeries, and corrects vision through a series of incisions made to the cornea.

We offer PRK in Beverly Hills as an alternative to laser surgery at the Beverly Hills Institute of Ophthalmology, and invite you to reach out, and set up an in-person consultation at our Beverly Hills or Torrance location. We’ll work closely with you to determine whether or not PRK is right for you, and ensure that you’re able to enjoy clear vision, day in and day out.

What is PRK?

PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) is an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthetic. The surgeon uses the excimer laser to achieve vision correction, and the visual results are similar. The main difference between PRK and LASIK is that in PRK there is no flap — only the very top (epithelial) layer of the cornea is moved aside before the surgeon sculpts the cornea with the excimer laser.

You might not be a great candidate for PRK, however. If you have thinner corneas, scarring, irregular astigmatism, or progressive ectasia, you might not be an eligible candidate. During your consultation, we’ll work with you to determine your eligibility, and figure out exactly what treatment is right for you.

The Procedure & What to Expect

In PRK, the surgeon uses a gently vibrating microkeratome to remove the epithelial layer. Sometimes advanced techniques are used, such as cooling the cornea before or after surgery to help reduce the discomfort that may occur after PRK. You might receive topical antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications and oral pain medications to reduce discomfort and speed healing. A “bandage” soft contact lens is used to promote healing of the epithelium, which takes about four days. It may be a few days before your vision stabilizes.

Learn more at Get Eye Smart.

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There are several reasons why a surgeon would recommend PRK rather than LASIK for an individual patient:

If there is a concern about potential flap complications
If the patient’s corneas are too thin to meet LASIK standards
If the patient had LASIK previously, or if other eye health factors are involved

If you’ve been suffering from vision issues and want to learn whether or not PRK is the solution for you. We have offices in Beverly Hills and Torrance, California, and we look forward to learning how we can help you enjoy clear vision and a higher quality of life, in the process. If you are interested in some of the best PRK Beverly Hills has to offer, contact us today!

PRK Beverly Hills

What is PRK?

The Procedure & What to Expect

There are several reasons why a surgeon would recommend PRK rather than LASIK for an individual patient:

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