Pensacola Laser Eye Surgery doctors
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David M. Mills, MD
Pensacola Oculoplastic Surgeon
5101 North Davis Highway Suite C, Pensacola |
1 answer |
Recent Answers
Last month, I underwent what I believed to be PRK (at least that's what I wanted). However, there is no mention of PRK or (photo-refractive keratectomy) on the "Operative Report." In the pre-op and post-op paperwork, "PRK" is present.
My mother, who was watching the says that the "VISX" machine that was used for the CustomVue treatment listed the procedure as "LASIK." So, how can I be sure that I received PRK and not LASIK?
The operative report also indicates that "Physician has specified a LASIK Treatment, Superior Flap." I chose PRK to avoid the flap. Please advise. Thanks.
When doing PRK, alcohol is used to loosen the epithelium, or the surface of the cornea, and it is typically placed in a well held securely down on the eye for several seconds (30 second perhaps; the time can vary by surgeon preference). You might have heard someone couting this off at the beginnng of each eye's surgery.
For LASIK, of course, a keratome is used to create a flap, and this can either be done mechanically or with a laser. Either way it makes a noise, whereas the alcohol well with PRK does not. Then, I agree with the previous answer in that the several days immediately post-op are the telling times. PRK is typically uncomfortable requiring the patient to wear contact lenses. Patients frequently complain of increased light sensitivity, tearing, etc. LASIK patients are typically much more comfortable much more quickly. I feel that the flap can in fact present some potential for complications, and actually might be in the minority of surgeons, but do more PRK than LASIK. We'll see over the years how this plays out.