PRK Laser Eye Surgery in Monterey, CA

As a leading Monterey laser eye surgery provider, Dr. Philip Penrose recognizes that not all patients are candidates for LASIK. This is why he offers several variations of laser eye surgery, including photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). PRK is based on the same principles as LASIK, but this procedure is appropriate for a wider range of patients. If you would like to learn more about PRK and find out whether you might be a Monterey PRK candidate, explore the paragraphs below.

PRK: What Is It?

PRK is a type of laser eye surgery in which laser energy is used to reshape the cornea in order to correct vision errors, including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. It is suitable for many patients who might not be good candidates for LASIK due to thin corneas or advanced prescriptions.

The PRK procedure employs the same laser technology as LASIK and delivers results that are comparable to or better than LASIK. The main difference between LASIK and PRK is that PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap. Instead, Dr. Philip Penrose removes the most superficial tissue of the cornea and then uses the custom wavefront laser with Iris Recognition to directly shape the surface of the cornea in order to achieve the required dimensions.

PRK: Benefits and Risks

PRK is often the only laser eye surgery procedure available for patients with thin corneas or higher prescriptions. This procedure often results in better night vision than LASIK due to the fact that no flap is created during surgery. Thus, PRK completely eliminates the risk of flap-related complications, such as uneven flap edges, uneven corneal flap thickness, and flap infections.

On the other hand, because there is no flap to protect the treated surface of the eye, PRK patients usually experience more discomfort than LASIK patients in the days immediately following their treatments. However, any pain and discomfort can be managed with prescription medications and eye drops. PRK patients also have to wait a little longer than LASIK patients to achieve their full visual potential.

PRK in Monterey: Is It For Me?

Whether you might benefit from PRK surgery can be determined only during a one-on-one consultation with our experienced PRK surgeon, Dr. Philip Penrose. Please contact our offices today by calling 831-373-0183 or by clicking here to schedule your initial appointment.