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What is PRK & ASA laser eye surgery? Can I have it?

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What is PRK & ASA laser eye surgery?

Author : LasikReviews.co.uk Choose Femtosecond Intra-Lasik & traditional Lasik

PRK is Photo Refractive Keratectomy which was the first FDA approval of laser eye surgery procedures used to treat low refractive eyesight errors. It is also called Advanced Surface Ablation (ASA). The PRK is the second most popular laser eye surgery in the United States, behind LASIK.

In LASIK eye surgery, the surgeon uses a microkeratome blade or a laser to create a corneal flap. This flap of tissue is then folded back, exposing the inner cornea where the treatment will take place. Afterwards, the flap is repositioned.

During PRK laser eye surgery, the surgeon use a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove ("ablate") very tiny bits of tissue from the surface of the cornea in order to reshape it. The upper surface of the cornea is actually removed and discarded. This area of the eye will regenerate after the surgery, forming a fresh layer of cells to replace the removed portion.

PRK and LASIK outcomes typically are similar. Most people achieve 20/20 or better vision with PRK. But it typically takes longer to fully recover from PRK, PRK causes more discomfort than LASIK the first few days after surgery, and it can take several weeks for vision to return to normal. There also is a greater risk of eye infection immediately after PRK surgery compared with LASIK, and a greater risk of temporary or permanent haziness of the cornea that may affect vision. Surgeons often only recommend PRK surgery to patients that have corneas that are either too thin or are too steep for LASIK or other surgery.

Prices of PRK laser eye surgery :

The typical costs of PRK eye surgery is comparable to that of Lasik Lasik eye surgery average costs in 2011
Lasik eye surgery costs : £1,395 - £2,295 per eye

Suitable for people of PRK laser eye surgery :

●   People who are not candidates for LASIK due to certain corneal conditions or corneal scars, can often be effectively treated
     with PRK eye surgery.
●   People who have corneas that are either too thin or are too steep for LASIK or other surgery.
●   People who are engaged in activities that put them at risk for eye injuries (and potentially, LASIK flap dislocations) after
     surgery. Such as boxing and martial arts.

Complications of PRK laser eye surgery :

●   Greater risk of eye infection immediately after PRK.
●   Greater risk of temporary or permanent haziness of the cornea that may affect vision after PRK.
●   The other risks and possible complications of PRK is same as LASIK, LASEK and other types of refractive surgery.
Complications & risks of Lasik eye surgery

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