PRK-LASEK
PROCEDURE

advanced ocular technology

PRK-LASEK Procedure

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is a refractive surgical procedure to treat refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)

Unlike LASIK, PRK does not create a corneal flap to reshape the cornea. Instead, it removes the central portion of the anterior epithelium for the application of Excimer laser on the stromal surface.

After laser treatment is completed the cornea is covered with a protective contact lens until the epithelial tissue is regenerated.

Less aggressive procedure

This procedure does not affect the corneal structure (no flaps or incisions are made) which makes it a more physiological method.

Life quality

PRK increases life comfort by eliminating the need of optical accessories (glasses, contact lenses) which implies a relief for patients.

Cost saving

Have you considered the yearly cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses? And the cost for the next ten years?

Are you a candidate?

Specialists must conduct a full ophthalmological examination and assessment of patients before reaching a decision on the most adequate procedure. No procedure is more satisfactory than others, but there is a most adequate method for each particular case.

Minimum age required for surgery is 18 years old.

Patients must be affected by a stable refractive error.

Patients must meet ophthalmological requirements.

PRK – LASEK
SURGERY

Basic steps of PRK surgery:

  1. Application of anaesthetic (eye drops) to numb the patient’s eye during the operation.
  2. Removal of the central portion of corneal epithelium which is previously weakened with a 20% ethanol solution.
  3. Application of Excimer Laser for reshaping the cornea and correcting the dioptres.
  4. Application of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops.
  5. Covering the cornea with a protective contact lens.

PRK ADVANTAGES
OVER LASEK

  • PRK eliminates complications derived from the creation of corneal flap (dislocation, healing problems). This issue is important for patients whose activity/profession involves intensive movement and high risks of flap dislocation (law enforcement officers, military, firefighters, athletes).
  • PRK covers a broader group of patients compared to LASIK since it can be performed on thinner corneas.
RISKS AND
COMPLICATIONS
As well as with other surgical procedures there is a series of risks and possible complications associated with PRK. They include:

  • Eye dryness: some patients present eye dryness upon the removal of corneal epithelium, a tissue with multiple nerve endings. Nerves inform the brain about eye dryness and the need of tears to moist the eye. This problem is solved as the epithelium regenerates.
  • Halos: this condition is common in patients with small optical areas and big pupils. It usually occurs at night, a period of increased mydriasis (pupil dilation over 4mm) when light rays reflecting on the retina go through the untreated areas of the eye and disperse.
  • Hypercorrection or Hypocorrection: during the first months after surgery and in cases with high prescription corneal and epithelial healing may condition the stability and results of surgery.
  • Corneal infection: upon the removal of the protective epithelial layer the cornea has an increased risk of infection due to exposure to foreign contaminants.
  • Haze or corneal opacity: in later periods (6 months after surgery), a reduced number of patients presents an opacification of the treated corneal area.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: In most cases these problems are temporary or can be corrected with topical/oral medication or a second corrective intervention.

PIONEERS IN
OCULAR SURGERY

The expertise of our medical team combined with the use of state-of-the-art technology guarantee the best results for our patients.

ABOUT US

«I was treated with Lasik last October and I’m very satisfied with the results. Thank you all!!!»

Susi Boix. 

«Utmost proficiency and special care. I had surgery on both eyes and the results were excellent»

Dolores Olivares. 

«I had surgery in this clinic and I recommend it to everyone. Care and treatment are excellent»

Jose Miguel Carbonell.

PRICING AND
FINANCING

At CLÍNICA RAHHAL we want treatment to be fully affordable for our patients. 

CALCULATE YOUR FINANCING

FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS

Select any of the following FAQs from our patients and check the answers. If your doubts are not solved please use the contact form below to get in touch with us.

When can I have surgery to correct myopia/hyperopia?

Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) can only be corrected when the patient’s prescription is stabilised, which occurs around the age of 20.

Can I have surgery if I also have astigmatism, aside from myopia/hyperopia?

Yes, any of the procedures currently used (laser and lens implants) allow the simultaneous correction of both errors.

What happens if my eyes move during the laser surgery procedure?

The eye must remain as stable as possible during surgery, therefore patients lie on a treatment table with their eyes fixed on a red light on the Excimer Laser machine.

A safety device called eye tracker compensates for involuntary eye movements following up the eye at milliseconds intervals and adjusting the direction of the laser pulses. In case of sudden movements the safety system fully stops the treatment.

How long does the laser surgery last?

It is a quick procedure. Patients remain in the surgery room for 15- 20 minutes on average. Just a few seconds of that time are used for the application of the Excimer Laser. The remaining time is used to
prepare the patient’s eye for surgery.

Is laser surgery painful?

Refractive surgery procedures are carried out using topical (local) anaesthetics (eye drops). Patients do not experience any pain during the operation.

How will the post-operative/recovery period be?

LASIK and PRK procedures have a very simple post-operative processes which require only eyedrops and artificial tears.

After surgery it is recommended to rest at least for 24 hours. Most work activities can be resumed after 48 hours. Patients must wait at least a week to resume any sport activity.

I have a very high prescription. Can I undergo refractive surgery?

During the pre-op check up, our medical team will examine the condition of the cornea, namely corneal width and number of dioptres to be corrected. Laser treatment vaporises corneal tissue. The amount of extracted tissue is proportional to the number of dioptres to be treated. Intraocular lens implants may be considered if prescription is very high.

First visit

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