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Laser Vision Correction -PRK |
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PRK Study
Purpose: Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser procedure intended to correct a person's vision, reducing dependency on glasses or contact lenses. People choose PRK over LASIK for different reasons. Some believe that PRK carries fewer risks because it allows the cornea to re-grow its own tissue during the healing process and lessens the chance of complications that come from the corneal flap created during LASIK. PRK is also chosen as an alternative by the patients who for one reason or another (corneal thickness, etc.) do not qualify as LASIK candidates.
Procedure: PRK changes the shape of the anterior central cornea using an excimer laser to ablate (remove by vaporization) a small amount of tissue from the corneal stroma at the front of the eye, just under the corneal epithelium. A computer system tracks the patient's eye position redirecting laser pulses for precise placement. The epithelium, the outer layer of the cornea, is removed prior to the ablation. The epithelium is a soft, rapidly re-growing layer that can completely replace itself from limbal stem cells within a few days with no loss of clarity. The deeper layers of the cornea, as opposed to the outer epithelium, are laid down early in a patient’s life and have very limited regenerative capacity. These deeper layers, if reshaped by a laser will remain that way permanently with only limited healing or remodeling. With PRK, the corneal epithelium is removed and discarded, allowing the cells to regenerate on their own after the surgery.
PRK vs. LASIK: PRK is distinct from LASIK (Laser-Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis), a form of laser eye surgery. During LASIK a permanent flap is created in the deeper layers of the cornea by a femtosecond laser or a microkeratome. Because PRK does not create a permanent flap, the cornea's structural integrity is less altered by PRK. PRK does not create the risk of dislocated corneal flaps, which may occur (especially with trauma), at any time after LASIK.
Although PRK does not involve a blade (microtome) or cutting laser (femtosecond laser) as used in LASIK, there may be more discomfort and slower visual recovery. A soft, bandage contact lens is placed on the treated eyes to help aid in the healing process and soothe discomfort. This clinical trial is intended to test a new soft, bandage contact lens.
Goal of Trial: This trial is intended for nearsighted patients that desire to have their distance vision corrected by PRK. A new bandage soft contact lens will be placed on the eye that is designed to provide functional vision immediately during the healing process by keeping its shape and also promote faster visual recovery. Results have shown patients can return to their normal activities much sooner than with traditional PRK and therefore have a much more similar experience to LASIK patients. The bandage lens company will cover the cost for qualified patients.
Study Parameters: There are specific inclusion and exclusion criteria that patients must meet in order to be considered participants in the clinical trial. We will be happy to discuss these with you.
