Who are the Best Candidates for PRK?

Even though LASIK is the more well-known laser correction system, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) was the pioneering technique that predated its more famous counterpart. And it's no less effective; a decade before the advent of LASIK, PRK helped give clear sight to millions of men and women. And PRK is still commonly used, helping to provide perfect vision (or even better) to many individuals with refractive disorders.

It's also an excellent option for those who are not candidates for LASIK or other techniques due to corneal concerns, active lifestyles, or with higher prescriptions for nearsightedness and farsightedness. And you can enjoy brighter, clearer vision and better focus as well; simply contact us at Kirk Eye Center to discover how we can help you in Glen Ellyn, Chicago, Gurnee, and River Forest, IL.

Who are the best candidates for PRK?

As with the other laser vision correction techniques, the best candidates for PRK will be individuals whose lifestyles are hampered by various refractive disorders. Whether a patient is dealing with blurry vision or loss of visual focus at a certain range, laser vision correction is a fundamental fix for life-hampering ocular conditions because it solves the root problem: a misshapen eyeball.

Similar to alternative options, a good candidate for PRK must be 18 years or older. Yet there are specific situations in which PRK is preferred, which sets it apart from its variants. First, PRK offers a wonderful treatment strategy for patients with insufficient corneal tissue for LASIK, since LASIK requires cutting a flap on the cornea. PRK, on the other hand, does away with the flap and instead removes the thinnest and outermost layer of the eye, the epithelium.

PRK is also an excellent choice for those with active lifestyles

Avoiding the corneal flap provides another advantage, making PRK a safer technique for highly active patients who face a higher risk of ocular trauma, either due to occupational hazards, rigorous job requirements, or vigorous recreation. Similarly, PRK can improve visual outcomes for those with certain eye conditions or disorders that preclude using LASIK or other vision correction methods in Glen Ellyn, or Chicago, IL.

Additionally, PRK could be the best choice for patients (both nearsighted and farsighted) who have higher-level prescriptions that could preclude other treatments. Though to be a good candidate, a patient's prescription must remain unchanged for at least one year.

Enjoy better vision through PRK

PRK is a vision correction system that resolves refractive disorders by treating their root cause: a misshapen eyeball. It's also an alternative for the many patients who are not good candidates for LASIK due to ocular conditions, high prescriptions, active lifestyles, or thin corneas. Yet, these issues don't have to exclude you from enjoying the excellent results of laser vision correction, as PRK has given millions of patients perfect vision or even better.

If visual woes are keeping you from living your best life, or you'd like more information, please don't hesitate to schedule a consultation at one of our Kirk Eye Center practices in Glen Ellyn, Gurnee, or River Forest, IL.