Are LASEK and PRK Painful Procedures?

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, February 04, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The short answer is: No.

LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are alternatives for LASIK. They are offered to people whose corneas are too thin or too steep for LASIK.
• During LASEK, a device called a trephine is used to mark the edges of the planned treatment area. Then a thin layer of the corneal surface is loosened with a diluted alcohol solution so it can be moved off to the side. The LASIK microkeratome (blade) is not used. LASEK allows less surface tissue to be removed than in LASIK. The laser then reshapes the cornea and the loosened layer is replaced.
• During PRK, the epithelium, or top layer of the cornea, is completely removed. The laser reshapes the cornea, and during recovery, the removed cells grow back. PRK uses no corneal flap like LASIK.

Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia. In total, the process for each procedure takes about two hours, but the actual procedure itself only lasts a few minutes.

Longer Recovery Time
Some people considering either PRK or LASEK understandably wonder if the procedure will cause pain. PRK and LASEK, in comparison to LASIK, do require a somewhat longer and slightly more uncomfortable recovery time. For the first two or three days following surgery, some patients report an aching or throbbing sensation, or may feel as if a foreign object is in the eye.

However, you can return to most normal activities within about a week. For several weeks, you will be restricted from driving, wearing eye makeup, and participating in aggressive sports and activities like swimming that may splash water in your eyes. You should be able to shower within two days after surgery.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, PRK and LASEK are safe and effective treatments, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people over 21 with mild-to-moderate nearsightedness.

Those with more severe nearsightedness may not qualify because results are more difficult to predict, the risk of complications is greater, and regression is more likely. Individuals who are pregnant or breast-feeding or who suffer from uncontrolled autoimmune or connective tissue diseases do not qualify for PRK.

LASEK and PRK Risks
Risks are similar and include:
• Clouded or hazy vision
• Clouding of the cornea
• Night vision problems, such as halos or glare
• Increased bright light sensitivity
• Double vision
• Astigmatism that did not exist prior to surgery
• Overcorrection or undercorrection
• Regression (nearsightedness returns despite surgery)
• Infection
• Ulcers on the cornea
• Elevated intraocular pressure with glaucoma

Vision correction risks are always far less when good patient screening is done. You can also reduce your own risks by exactly following your eye surgeon's recovery directions.

If you are considering surgery to improve nearsightedness, discuss your vision correction options with a qualified ophthalmologist. In San Francisco, California, Dr. Gary Kawesch of The Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley can answer your questions, put your fears to rest, and ensure an excellent outcome.

Source: The Laser Eye Center of Silicon Valley
Website: http://www.lasikdocs.com

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