If you are interested in undergoing PRK in the Scottsdale and Carefree, Arizona area, please contact McCormick Eye Center today.
McCormick Eye Center
10619 N. Hayden Rd., Ste. 101
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
Phone: 480.948.0733
Fax: 480.443.5611
Click on the map for location and directions.
"My family has been coming to you for several years because you and your staff always provide excellent care. I'd recommend McCormick Eye Center to anyone."
- Don R.
"I was never comfortable with any contacts. Since my laser vision correction procedure I can now see better than ever, day and night. My eyes are comfortable which wasn't always true with my contact lenses."
- Julie F.
"Thanks for spending so much time with me. I'm excited about getting my new glasses."
- JF
"Unbelievable how much better I can see after refitting my contact lenses. I wear monovision and am very happy to see both far and near without glasses."
- Carole Y.
PRK for Patients in Scottsdale, Carefree, and Surrounding Arizona Communities
PRK is an acronym for photorefractive keratectomy, which means, "to remove corneal tissue with light." PRK uses the same excimer laser used for LASIK to reshape the surface of the cornea. Patients looking for an alternative to LASIK may be interested in PRK. Though the procedures are similar, patients who are not good candidates for LASIK eye surgery may be eligible for PRK treatment. At our Scottsdale and Carefree, Arizona area practice, Dr. David Johnson performs both LASIK and PRK to enhance the vision and the lives of his patients.
PRK vs. LASIK
Both PRK and LASIK are laser vision correction procedures that correct the corneal irregularities responsible for myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. PRK, (often referred to as advanced surface ablation), was the first laser vision correction procedure using the excimer laser that received approval by the FDA. LASIK is a variation on this procedure.
During the LASIK procedure and utilizing blade-free technology, Dr. Johnson creates a micro-thin flap on the outermost layers of the cornea. Dr. Johnson uses a computer controlled excimer laser to reshape the underlying corneal tissue and gently replaces the flap. During PRK, Dr. Johnson reshapes the cornea by treating the surface of the cornea using the same computer controlled excimer laser. However, since no flap is created, a soft contact lens is placed on each treated eye to protect the eye and enable healing.
Advantages of LASIK over PRK include little to no discomfort during healing and results that are more quickly noticeable. Patients who undergo PRK experience gradual improvement over a few days to a few months. However, studies show patient satisfaction is equally positive after the first three to six months, whether the procedure is LASIK or PRK. Some people who are good candidates for LASIK choose to undergo PRK because it eliminates the minimal risk of flap-related complications.
PRK Candidates
Although PRK is a safe and effective alternative to LASIK, not all patients are eligible for the procedure. Ideal PRK candidates should:
- be over 21 years of age
- have a stable prescription over the last 12 months and fall within -1.00 to -11.00 for myopia, up to +5.00 for hyperopia, and up to +5.00 for astigmatism
- be in generally good health
PRK may not be right for individuals who:
- are pregnant or nursing
- are diabetic
- have an autoimmune disease
- have an eye disease or eye injury
- are currently taking prescription medication that could prevent proper healing
At McCormick Eye Center, Dr. Johnson and a staff associate provide an informative consultation for each patient considering PRK. If you would like to determine whether you are a candidate for PRK at our practice serving Scottsdale, Carefree, and surrounding Arizona communities, including Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, and Cave Creek, contact McCormick Eye Center today for a free consultation.
The PRK Procedure
After anesthetic eye drops are applied to the eye, Dr. Johnson begins the PRK procedure. He places a few drops of a special solution onto the surface of the eye that loosens the outermost layer of the cornea, or epithelium. Once the loosened epithelial cells have been gently brushed away from the area to be treated, Dr. Johnson begins reshaping the cornea with the excimer laser. The excimer laser is calibrated using the patient's measurements captured earlier with the WaveScan WaveFront® System. A soft contact lens is placed over the treated area to protect the newly exposed tissue during the healing period.
Learn More about PRK
PRK has improved the lives of many Scottsdale and Carefree, Arizona area patients who were ineligible for LASIK eye surgery, allowing them to live a lifestyle less encumbered by glasses or contact lenses. If you are interested in learning more about PRK, contact McCormick Eye Center today.