PRKsurface

PRKsurface is a term that refers to the surface ablation zone created during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) eye surgery. PRK is a type of refractive surgery performed to correct myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. The procedure involves using an excimer laser to reshape the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye.

During PRK, the surgeon first removes the outer epithelial layer of the cornea. This is often done manually or with a dilute alcohol solution. The excimer laser then delivers controlled pulses of ultraviolet light to precisely remove corneal tissue from the underlying stroma, sculpting the cornea to achieve the desired refractive correction. The area where the laser has removed tissue and reshaped the cornea is known as the PRKsurface.

Following the laser ablation, a bandage contact lens is typically placed on the eye to protect the newly formed PRKsurface and aid in healing. Over the next few days, the corneal epithelium regenerates and covers the ablated area. The visual recovery process after PRK can be longer than with other refractive surgery procedures like LASIK, as the epithelium needs time to heal and smooth out the PRKsurface. The final visual outcome depends on the successful healing and epithelialization of the PRKsurface.