PRK: A Safe and Effective Corrective Eye Surgery
Modern technology has revolutionized treatments for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. With laser vision correction, it is indeed possible for you to live life without the hassle or discomfort of glasses and contact lenses. Dr. Byron and Keri Biscoe are skilled and experienced in advanced surface ablation techniques, including conventional and custom PRK surgery. Our practice has offices in Road Town, St. Croix, and St. Thomas, USVI. These surgeries are widely regarded as being among the safest and most effective laser vision correction methods.
Using Laser Technology to Bring Your World into Focus
Our practice offers PRK and more to help you experience clearer vision.
Our practice offers PRK and more to help you experience clearer vision.
PRK vs. LASIK
Conventional PRK, custom PRK, and LASIK surgery are frequently provided by our refractive surgeon. Each of these refractive vision correction surgeries use laser technology to reshape the cornea and improve vision. However, conventional and custom PRK differ significantly from LASIK. Conventional and custom PRK are advanced surface ablation procedures that, unlike LASIK, do not require a blade to create a flap in the outer layer of the cornea. In conventional PRK, a solution of alcohol is used to dissolve the outer corneal layer, while in custom PRK, Wavefront™ technology is used to precisely map small irregularities in the surface of the eye for a more precise treatment.
| Equipment Used | Benefit | |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional PRK | VISX® Excimer laser | Does not require a corneal incision, eliminating many of the risks associated with the LASIK procedure. |
| Custom PRK | VISX® CustomVue™ laser with Wavefront™ technology | Does not require a corneal incision, eliminating many of the risks associated with the LASIK procedure. |
| LASIK | Wavefront™ technology | Shorter recovery period |
Since advanced surface ablation procedures do not require a corneal incision, they eliminate many of the risks associated with the LASIK procedure. Therefore, although conventional and custom PRK procedures require longer recovery periods for the outer layer of the cornea to heal, they are generally considered to be safer than LASIK. At our practice, we work closely with each patient to determine the procedure that is most appropriate.
Conventional and custom PRK are advanced surface ablation procedures that, unlike LASIK, do not require a blade to create a flap in the outer layer of the cornea.
Conventional PRK
To begin the PRK procedure, a gentle alcohol solution is used to dissolve the outermost layer of the cornea. Dr. Biscoe then uses the VISX® Excimer laser to shape the underlying corneal tissue so that it refracts light properly onto the retina, thereby correcting vision. After PRK, the outer corneal layer heals on its own without the complications that can often arise from the creation of a corneal flap.
Custom PRK
To begin the custom PRK procedure, a gentle alcohol solution is used to dissolve the outermost layer of the cornea. Dr. Biscoe then uses the VISX® CustomVue™ laser with Wavefront™ technology to reshape the underlying corneal tissue in order to correct the patient's vision.
Both custom PRK and custom LASIK surgery features Wavefront™ technology. This technology enables Dr. Biscoe to customize these procedures so that even advanced vision problems can be corrected, in addition to nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Contact the Laser Vision Institute of the Virgin Islands
For additional information on conventional or custom PRK, please contact our practice online or call (340) 774-3003 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Byron Biscoe. During this visit, Dr. Biscoe will help you decide which type of advanced surface ablation procedure can best meet your needs.
