PRK
PRK, also known as Photorefractive keratectomy, is another form of laser vision correction that is available at our Baltimore practice. PRK was the first laser corrective procedure approved by the FDA and was widely performed from 1995-2000. What sets the PRK procedure apart from LASIK is the manner in which the surface of the eye is prepared for laser correction. Rather than creating and lifting a flap, as is the case with the LASIK procedure, a PRK procedure involves removing the outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) before the laser correction is performed. The epithelium will regenerate itself within a few days of correction.
The ultimate visual results with PRK are virtually identical to LASIK; however, the results are somewhat slower in coming. Likewise, the level of discomfort after PRK, while barely perceptible after LASIK, is somewhat higher. This discomfort lasts for approximately three days.
PRK was the only corrective procedure allowed by the military until the past few years. As a result, the use of PRK for primary treatments was very high until LASIK was ultimately allowed within military ranks. PRK today is largely reserved either for enhancement procedures or for patients with certain corneal curvatures or thicknesses.
To learn more about PRK, please visit our media center or contact our Baltimore, Maryland practice.
Near Vision CK
NearVisionSM CK®, also known as Conductive Keratoplasty, is used to treat mild levels of hyperopia (farsightedness). A typical NearVisionSM CK® patient is over 40 years old and has good distance vision, but needs glasses for reading.
NearVisionSM CK® is similar to LASIK in that both procedures reshape the cornea to improve vision. LASIK however, uses a laser to reshape the cornea, while NearVisionSM CK® uses mild heat energy.
To learn more about NearVisionSM CK®, please visit our media center or contact our Baltimore, Maryland practice.
EPI-K
EPI-K combines the quick recovery time of LASIK with the adaptability to thinner corneas of PRK. The EPI-K device allows the surgeon to lift up (and preserve) the epithelium rather than remove it. It is then put back into position for faster healing and better comfort.
Intraocular Lenses
Intraocular lenses, also known as IOLs, have long been used during traditional cataract surgery. There is solid evidence, however, in which the lenses might be uses in certain situations where laser vision correction might not be appropriate. The IOLs take the place of the human lens, we well as accommodate, thus decreasing the need for reading glasses.
Verisyse™ Lenses
The Verisyse™ Lens can be placed in a severely nearsighted eye that is beyond the abilities of traditional laser surgery. The human lens is left in place and the Verisyse™ Lens acts as an implanted contact lens.