How do I know if I am a candidate for PRK vision correction?

To find out if PRK is right for your eyes, you will need a thorough vision correction consultation, like the EyeAnalysis(TM) consultation at Kugler Vision. If you have been told in the past you were not a candidate for vision correction like LASIK, it is important to get a second opinion. Many patients we see at Kugler Vision who have been told previously that they cannot have their vision corrected actually are good candidates for a laser vision correction procedure. That is why it is important to see a vision correction provider who specializes in all the latest vision correction techniques. Consider taking our 60-second PRL candidacy self-test by clicking the button below. Then schedule online with our online booking portal, or call us at 402-558-2211.

Can I have PRK if I am in the military?

Each branch of the United States military has different rules regarding vision correction. Be sure to discuss your vision correction plans with your commanding officer.

I have contact lens intolerance. Can I have PRK?

PRK, along with other forms of laser vision correction, can be an effective treatment for those suffering from contact lens intolerance (CLI). CLI is a painful and progressive condition associated with the eye’s rejection of contact lenses. This leads to irritated eyes and can bring discomfort when wearing contacts for any significant period of time. By correcting vision, PRK can treat CLI at its source: the need for contact lenses. If you are concerned that you may be suffering from CLI, we recommend you take our CLI self-test at the button below.

How often do you do PRK?

At Kugler Vision, our expert vision correction team specializes in all seven forms of modern laser vision correction. That means that we frequently perform PRK. We understand that the decision to have a life-changing procedure like PRK is a big one, and it is natural to have some feelings of anxiety. Rest assured that our surgeons are PRK experts and will talk you through every step of your PRK procedure and healing so that you can feel calm and confident in your decision to have PRK.

Is PRK eye surgery painful?

The PRK procedure itself is not painful. Before your PRK procedure begins, your eye will be numbed with anesthetic drops. You may feel a slight sensation of pressure, but your Kugler Vision surgeon will talk you through each step of the way. As part of your PRK procedure, your vision correction surgeon will apply a protective, temporary contact lens to the eye. This special contact lens functions as a type of bandage for the eye, keeping the surface safe and comfortable in the first days after PRK eye surgery.

Can I have PRK done on both eyes at the same time?

Yes! When having PRK for both eyes, it can be done on one surgery day. Most of our patients who have vision correction needs in both eyes and are recommended PRK have both eyes treated on the same day. This is beneficial because it is more convenient for the patient, who only has to come in for one surgery day. Also, when having PRK on both eyes at the same time, there is only one recovery period, one drop schedule to follow, and the brain is able to adapt to the corrected vision all at once.

How is PRK similar to LASIK?

Both LASIK and PRK are performed with an excimer laser, which reshapes the front of the eye, called the cornea. Both PRK and LASIK are excellent procedures that deliver similar long-term results.

How is PRK different from LASIK?

PRK eye surgery achieves crisp, clear vision by using a laser to make changes directly to the very front surface of the eye. LASIK achieves crisp, clear vision making changes to the eye’s surface that are performed under a flap made by a second laser.

Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) - Omaha

LASIK is an excellent option for many people, but if you are not a candidate for LASIK, there are several other ways to correct your vision. At Kugler Vision, our goal is for our patients to live a life free from the barriers of glasses and contact lenses. Discover your options by taking our 60-second self-test below.

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What Is PRK?

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Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), uses an excimer laser to reshape the cornea and correct vision. In this way, PRK is similar to LASIK. The key difference between PRK and LASIK is that no corneal flap is required with PRK. Instead, the epithelium (the tissue covering the front of the cornea) is gently removed and the laser is applied to the outer surface. Like LASIK, PRK is a refractive procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

You can have PRK if you have dry eyes or are suffering from contact lens intolerance (CLI). But at Kugler Vision, our patients undergo a series of comprehensive tests to determine the best way to improve your dry eye symptoms before laser vision correction. After CLI is maximally treated, you can have PRK.

PRK was the first procedure to use the excimer laser, and was developed several years before LASIK. It has a long, established history proving it to be safe and effective. PRK is an excellent alternative to LASIK and is commonly performed, particularly on patients who are found to not be LASIK candidates for a variety of reasons, such as having thin corneas.

PRK Recovery

The PRK procedure is effective and safe, and has an extremely high patient satisfaction rate. PRK typically has a longer recovery time than LASIK, lasting approximately 48 to 72 hours after surgery on average. In contrast, the average LASIK recovery time is about 24 hours. This slightly longer PRK recovery period is due to the need for the epithelial cells to regenerate over the surface of the eye. Although the procedure is different from LASIK, the outcome is the same – improved vision for a life without barriers.