What Is PRK? (explained by Dr. William Boothe)

Excimer Laser Photo Refractive Keratectomy (PRK) is a laser vision correction surgery efficacious for correcting myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism. This type of refractive procedure has been performed worldwide for nearly twenty years. Although Lasik is the popular vision surgery in the United States, many patients that are not suitable for Lasik due to thin corneas may be good candidates for PRK procedure. If you want to know if you are suitable candidate for PRK, you can call the Boothe Eye РЎare for a free initial screening.

While performing PRK, Dr. Boothe utilizes the excimer laser to vaporize away some of the outer corneal tissue. Basically, only 5 to 15% of the corneal thickness is vaporized. By remodelling the shape of the cornea, the beams of light can focus properly onto the retina, allowing patients to see clearly after the procedure. PRK involves less intervention than Lasik since the surgeon does not need to create the corneal flap. The PRK surgery itself takes about fifteen minutes, and the actual laser treatment takes only one minute.

To correct myopia, the excimer laser vaporizes central part of the cornea to decrease its curvature so beams of light will focus and reach the retina. In the process of correcting farsightedness, the laser alters the contour of the cornea. To correct astigmatism, the laser reshapes specified areas to achieve the proper curvature of the cornea so light can focus correctly on the retina.

Post-PRK period

Post-op recovery varies from five to seven days to achieve good functional eyesight after the procedure. Patients’ vision is quite blurred right after the PRK surgery since the epithelium (the outer protective layer) must grow back and become glossy again to enable clear eyesight. The eyesight becomes gradually better once the corneal epithelium is restored. If recovery speed is an issue, you should consider Intralase that does not require much rest and lets you go back to your regular activities the next day.

Most PRK patients see well enough to drive themselves and return to work in a week without the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses. To fully achieve stabilized vision, patients will need to wait within one to four months. Boothe EyeCare patients are given antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to use for at least the first week following the procedure.

PRK is a very safe and effective procedure. Complications following PRK are rare. (approximately 5%). Even if they occur, they are not serious and can be resolved using medications or revision treatment. After a year, most patients experience a significant improvement in their eyesight, and 80 percent of patients achieve 20/20 vision and have no complaints as to the process and the outcome.

Thanks to various financing plans offered at the Boothe Eye Care, the cost of procedures is affordable for most patients.

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Read Patient Reviews About Boothe Eyecare & Laser Center

Dr. Boothe helped me not to lose hope.

Thanks all the staff of Boothe Eye Care & Laser Center, especially Dr. Boothe. The “Gold hands” of Dr. Boothe, the warm and friendly relationships I had with his personnel helped me get back my vision. I want to thank the nurses who cared for me and helped me. Thank you very much for the warmth and support!

I suffered from the time I was in first grade from poorly vision in the left eye. I was offered to do surgery before but I refused, because I thought that it was hopeless. I am very glad that your Center has helped not only to improve my vision, but also not to lose my hope of recovery. Long ago I knew the truth is that people are treated not only by medications but are also by the doctor’s attitude to the patient. The pleasant attitude of the personnel and Dr. Boothe helped me to treat this illness and maintain a positive, constructive mood. Kindness and humanity, which we are so lacking nowadays, prevail in your Center.

As was promised by Dr. William Boothe, the laser surgery went through without any pain. I began to see in the operating room. I’m confident that if you go to the Center you will be able to regain full vision. This Center is unrivaled in the USA. My life changed – now I have clarity in my life. I am sure that the people who had already experienced it can understand my feelings.

Already ten months went by and I have not had any problems with my vision. I have been trying to fulfill all the recommends gave to me by Dr. Boothe’s assistant. Now I advise all my friends and relatives to do their laser eye surgery at the Boothe Eye Care & Laser Center, because they have the best methods of improve vision and care about different types of people.

- Stephanie W.

Services of this Center is well suited for the elderly patients.

I sincerely appreciate Dr. William Boothe and all the members of staff which supported and showed heartfelt attitude to my father. They used qualifying treatment and nice smiles that soothe and act as an elixir for us. First time in my life, only at this Center, I saw the perfect order throughout. Everyone of staff is professional and attentive. All the procedures his assistants were fulfilled skillfully and very carefully, especially to the elderly patients involves my father.

My dad is eighty-four years old. He was blind ten years of one eye, and the second – saw only 2%. I am very happy that the father’s eye laser surgery was successful and his vision was returned. Now my father could caring about itself, which is much easier for me. Many thanks to Dr. Boothe and the assistants of the Center that return people – I can be said – life. I want to thank Dr. Boothe for simple of communication and at the same time, professionalism. Dr. Boothe draws attention to questions that have not yet mentioned in the other Centers. He openly talked about all the possible consequences of surgery. Accordingly, he told about different qualitative methods of post operative rehabilitation. Dr. Boothe was very patient if we something misunderstanding.

I want note that extraordinary tact, participation and excellence in the work – is a visit card of the Boothe Eye Care & Laser Center. There are working responsive, attentive, kind and honest staff members. Thanks to all the staff of Center for their sensitive and comprehensive approach to solving the problem to improve my dad’s vision.

-Olga A.