If you’re struggling with blurry vision, have difficulty seeing at night, or rely on glasses or contacts, photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in Englewood and Clifton could be your solution. At NJ Eye and Ear LASIK Center, Dr. Jimmy Hu offers Contoura® Vision topography-guided PRK, a personalized, advanced treatment to correct refractive errors and enhance your vision.
What is Photorefractive Keratectomy?
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision correction procedure that treats refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, PRK removes the thin outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) to access the underlying corneal tissue. Using a precise laser, the cornea is reshaped to correct how light focuses on the retina, improving vision. After the procedure, a soft contact lens is placed to protect the eye as the epithelium heals. PRK is an excellent option for patients with thinner corneas or unique eye conditions.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Treats:
- Nearsightedness (difficulty seeing distant objects clearly)
- Farsightedness (difficulty seeing close objects clearly)
- Astigmatism (blurred or distorted vision due to an irregular corneal shape)
- Irregular corneal surfaces (uneven corneal texture causing visual disturbances)
- Vision issues in patients with thinner corneas (not eligible for LASIK)
- Refractive errors impacting overall clarity and focus
PRK vs. LASIK
PRK
Photorefractive keratectomy in Englewood and Clifton (PRK) is ideal for individuals with thinner corneas or irregular corneal surfaces. During PRK, the outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed to access the underlying tissue, which is reshaped with a laser to correct refractive errors. Since the epithelium must regenerate, PRK involves a longer healing period, with some discomfort and blurry vision lasting a few days. However, it provides excellent long-term visual outcomes and is a great option for patients who are unsuitable for LASIK.
LASIK
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) offers quicker recovery. It involves creating a thin corneal flap, reshaping the underlying tissue with a laser, and repositioning it for faster healing. LASIK is ideal for patients with adequate corneal thickness and stable refractive errors, as it allows rapid visual improvement—often within 24 hours. While LASIK provides excellent results, individuals with thinner corneas or dry eye tendencies may not qualify for the procedure, making PRK a more suitable alternative.
Benefits of Contoura® Vision PRK:
- Personalized treatment using topography-guided corneal mapping
- Correction of up to 22,000 unique corneal elevation points
- Improved visual outcomes, often sharper than 20/20 vision
- Reduced risk of glare, halos, and night-driving difficulties
- Enhanced precision for patients with irregular corneal surfaces
- Suitable for individuals with thinner corneas or LASIK ineligibility
- Long-term improvement in visual clarity and quality of life
Contoura® Vision PRK vs. Traditional PRK
Contoura® Vision PRK
Contoura® Vision PRK in Englewood and Clifton is an advanced form of photorefractive keratectomy that incorporates topography-guided technology to deliver highly personalized treatments. Using detailed corneal mapping, Contoura® Vision PRK captures up to 22,000 unique elevation points on the cornea, identifying and addressing even subtle irregularities. This level of precision leads to superior outcomes, with many patients achieving vision sharper than 20/20. Contoura® Vision PRK also reduces visual disturbances, such as glare, halos, and difficulty driving at night.
Traditional PRK
Traditional PRK is a well-established laser vision correction procedure that treats nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. While it effectively reshapes the cornea to improve focus and reduce refractive errors, it doesn’t account for unique corneal irregularities. As a result, patients may experience slightly higher chances of post-procedure side effects, such as glare and halos, compared to Contoura® Vision PRK. Traditional PRK is a reliable choice for those seeking vision correction, especially for patients with thinner corneas or certain eye conditions that make them ineligible for LASIK.
Your Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Session in Englewood
During your PRK session with Dr. Hu, your eyes will be numbed using eye drop anesthesia to ensure comfort. Dr. Hu will gently remove the outer layer of your cornea (epithelium) using a specialized technique. Then, using advanced laser technology, he will precisely reshape your cornea to correct your refractive error. Throughout the procedure, you’ll focus on a fixation light, and the entire process takes less than 15 minutes per eye. A soft contact lens will be placed afterward to protect your eye as it heals.
Side Effects & Recovery
After your PRK procedure with Dr. Hu, it’s normal to experience blurry vision and mild discomfort for a few days as your cornea heals. You may also notice sensitivity to light, dryness, or temporary visual disturbances like glare. Dr. Hu will provide personalized care instructions and prescribe eye drops to ease discomfort and promote healing. Most patients resume daily activities within a week, with vision steadily improving over several weeks. Follow-ups with Dr. Hu will ensure your recovery progresses smoothly.
What Results Can I Expect?
With photorefractive keratectomy in Englewood and Clifton, you can expect clearer, sharper vision and reduced dependence on glasses or contacts. Many patients achieve 20/20 vision or better, though results vary based on your unique eyes and refractive error. Initial improvements will be noticeable within days, but full visual clarity develops over weeks as your cornea heals. Dr. Hu’s use of advanced technology, including Contoura® Vision, ensures precise correction tailored to your needs.
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Recover From PRK?
Initial recovery, including the regrowth of the epithelium, typically takes 3-5 days. During this period, you may experience blurry vision and mild discomfort. Depending on individual healing, full visual clarity can take several weeks to develop.
Will the PRK Procedure Hurt?
No, the procedure itself is painless because Dr. Hu uses numbing eye drops to keep you comfortable. Some post-procedure discomfort, such as dryness or light sensitivity, can be expected, but medications and eye drops can help manage it.
How Long Does the PRK Procedure Take?
The procedure itself is quick, typically lasting 10-15 minutes per eye. However, you may have to spend an hour or two at the office overall, which includes the preparation time.
Is PRK Permanent?
Yes, PRK provides long-lasting vision correction. However, natural changes to your eyes, such as aging-related presbyopia or cataracts, may require additional treatments later in life.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Jimmy Hu is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained expert in cornea, external diseases, and refractive surgery from the prestigious Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital. With extensive experience and advanced technology like Contoura® Vision, Dr. Hu delivers personalized, exceptional care. If you’re ready to achieve clearer, sharper vision, schedule your consultation for PRK in Englewood and Clifton with Dr. Hu today.
